Apocarotenal

PhytochemicalApocarotenoid

What is it

Apocarotenal (beta-apo-8'-carotenal) is a synthetic carotenoid derivative used primarily as a yellow-to-orange food and supplement color additive. It is approved as a color additive by the FDA and EFSA.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Coloring agent utility

Strong Evidence

Well established as an approved orange-red color additive in foods and supplements.

How it works

As a color, apocarotenal imparts an orange-red hue to foods and supplements. As a carotenoid, it has partial provitamin A activity, being converted to retinol at about half the efficiency of beta-carotene. It also functions as an antioxidant in food matrices.

Dosage

Used in very small amounts as a color (typically less than 35 mg/kg in foods per FDA regulation). Not a dietary supplement nutrient per se.

When and how to take it

No timing relevant at color-additive levels.

1 commercial form

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Synthetic color additive (oil suspension or emulsion)

Used primarily as a colorant; not as a vitamin A source in modern supplements.

Fat-soluble; absorbed with dietary fat

Safety

FDA-approved as a color additive. EFSA has set an acceptable daily intake of 0.05 mg/kg body weight, lowered from previous limits due to reassessment of safety margins. Excess intake can cause skin yellowing (carotenodermia).

Who should be cautious

Avoid intentional high-dose use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Children should consume only typical food-color levels. People with carotenoid metabolism disorders should consult a clinician.

Interactions

No significant drug interactions documented at color-additive amounts.

Food sources

Citrus fruits and spinach (small amounts)

Amount
trace amounts
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Why is apocarotenal in my supplement?⌄

Almost certainly as a color additive to give the product an orange or yellow appearance.

Is it safe?⌄

Yes, at approved color-additive levels. EFSA tightened intake limits after reassessment; chronic high intake is not advised.

References

Apocarotenal on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Apocarotenal (ChEBI:53154) — ChEBI link

Apocarotenal (PubChem CID 5478003) — PubChem link

Apocarotenal on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Apocarotenal (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.