Food additives Europe numbers: E163
Delphidin isn't currently recognized as a common food excipient. Here's why:
What is Delphidin?
Delphidin is a type of anthocyanin, a natural plant pigment responsible for the blue, purple, and red colors found in many fruits and vegetables. It has antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, but it's not typically added to food as an excipient.
Excipients vs. Natural Components:
- Food excipients are generally added substances that don't naturally occur in significant amounts in the food. They serve specific technical purposes like bulking, preventing caking, or aiding processing.
- Delphidin, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring plant compound. While it may contribute to the color and health benefits of some foods, it wouldn't be considered an added excipient.
Sources of Delphidin:
Delphidin can be found naturally in various fruits and vegetables, including:
- Berries (especially blueberries, blackberries)
- Eggplant
- Red onions
- Red grapes
- Purple cabbage
Potential as a Food Additive:
While not currently used as an excipient, there's ongoing research on the potential health benefits of anthocyanins like delphidin. In the future, there's a possibility it could be explored as a food additive for its antioxidant properties or potential health benefits. However, this would require further research and regulatory approval.
Summary:
Delphidin is a naturally occurring anthocyanin found in fruits and vegetables, not a common food excipient. However, research on its health benefits might lead to future exploration as a potential food additive.