HypeCheck
← All Ingredients Traditional

Last verified: 6 days ago

Amaranth (CI 26100)

Also known as: CI 26100, Red 2, FD&C Red No. 2, Azorubin S, Food Red 9

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

A synthetic red dye used in supplements. No clinical evidence supports any health benefit.

  • What it does

    Amaranth (CI 26100) is a synthetic azo dye — a red colorant — used in food and supplement manufacturing to give products a red or purple hue. It is not the same as the amaranth grain or plant. No...

  • Evidence quality

    Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.

  • Clinical dose

    No established dose

See full breakdown ↓ Methodology →

What the Science Says

Amaranth (CI 26100) is a synthetic azo dye — a red colorant — used in food and supplement manufacturing to give products a red or purple hue. It is not the same as the amaranth grain or plant. No published clinical research supports any therapeutic or health benefit from consuming this dye as a supplement ingredient. Its presence in 231 registered supplement products reflects its use as a colorant, not an active ingredient.

What It Doesn't Do

Does not provide any nutritional value. Not a plant extract or superfood. Has no proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or health-promoting effects. Do not confuse it with amaranth grain, which is a different substance entirely.

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown — no clinical absorption data available for this dye in supplement form

Red Flags to Watch For

  • CI 26100 is a synthetic dye, not a health ingredient — its presence signals cosmetic formulation, not therapeutic value
  • FD&C Red No. 2 (the same compound) was banned by the FDA in the US in 1976 due to cancer concerns in animal studies; verify regulatory status in your country before use
  • No peer-reviewed clinical trials exist supporting any health benefit from this ingredient
  • Products listing this as an 'active' ingredient may be misleading consumers — it is a colorant
  • Individuals with azo dye sensitivities or aspirin intolerance may experience allergic reactions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Amaranth (CI 26100) do?

A synthetic red dye used in supplements. No clinical evidence supports any health benefit.

What is the effective dose of Amaranth (CI 26100)?

No established dose

Is Amaranth (CI 26100) safe?

CI 26100 is a synthetic dye, not a health ingredient — its presence signals cosmetic formulation, not therapeutic value

What doesn't Amaranth (CI 26100) do?

Does not provide any nutritional value.

Research Sources

  • NIH DSLD
  • Web
  • FDA

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-11-03