black carrot

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Black carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus var. atrorubens) is a purple/black-pigmented carrot variety rich in anthocyanin pigments. It is used as a natural food coloring and as a supplement for antioxidant support.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Antioxidant / cardiovascular support

Limited Evidence

Small human studies suggest improvements in oxidative stress markers and endothelial function with black carrot anthocyanin extracts, but clinical relevance is preliminary.

How it works

The dark color comes from acylated anthocyanins, which are more stable than anthocyanins from other sources (like blueberries). These compounds have antioxidant activity in vitro and may modestly affect cardiovascular and metabolic markers. Black carrot also contains beta-carotene and traditional carrot nutrients. Clinical evidence is preliminary but suggests possible benefits for oxidative stress, vascular function, and blood sugar response.

Dosage

No established RDA. Anthocyanin-rich black carrot extracts are typically used at 200-500 mg daily.

When and how to take it

WHEN: Anytime, often with meals. HOW: With water; flavonoid absorption is supported by some dietary fat.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Black carrot extract / powder

Standardized to anthocyanin content.

Anthocyanins have modest oral bioavailability; gut metabolism produces active forms.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. Side effects are uncommon at typical doses. May cause temporary stool/urine discoloration. Allergic reactions are rare.

Who should be cautious

Limited specific safety data in pregnancy. Diabetics should track effects on glycemic response.

Interactions

No significant pharmaceutical interactions reported. Anthocyanins may modestly affect platelet function at high doses.

Food sources

Black carrot

Amount
1 medium (60 g)
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are black carrots related to regular carrots?⌄

Yes. They are the same species (Daucus carota), just a variety with much higher anthocyanin content. The ancestor of modern carrots was purple, not orange.

References

black carrot on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on black carrot (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.