Last verified: 12 days ago
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)
Also known as: Sunset Yellow FCF, FD&C Yellow No. 6, E110, CI Food Yellow 3
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Synthetic food dye used for color only. No health benefits. Linked to potential safety concerns.
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What it does
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) is a synthetic petroleum-derived azo dye used to give supplements and foods an orange-yellow color. It has no nutritional value and provides no health benefit to the...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
What the Science Says
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) is a synthetic petroleum-derived azo dye used to give supplements and foods an orange-yellow color. It has no nutritional value and provides no health benefit to the person taking it. It is present in products purely for cosmetic appearance, making capsules, tablets, or liquids look more visually appealing.
What It Doesn't Do
Does not improve any health outcome. Does not enhance absorption of other ingredients. Does not provide any nutritional value. Not a supplement ingredient in any meaningful sense — it's a coloring agent.
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — Yellow 6 is absorbed to some degree in the gut, but this is not a desired effect. Its metabolites have raised safety questions in some research contexts.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Linked to hyperactivity in children in some studies — the EU requires a warning label on products containing it
- Derived from petroleum — consumers seeking 'natural' products should be aware this is fully synthetic
- May cause allergic reactions, particularly in people sensitive to aspirin or other azo dyes
- Presence in a supplement signals the manufacturer prioritizes appearance over clean formulation
- No regulatory requirement to include it — its presence is a purely cosmetic choice by the manufacturer
- Some animal studies raised concerns about adrenal tumors at high doses, though human relevance is debated
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) do?
Synthetic food dye used for color only. No health benefits. Linked to potential safety concerns.
What is the effective dose of Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)?
No established dose
Is Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) safe?
Linked to hyperactivity in children in some studies — the EU requires a warning label on products containing it
What doesn't Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF) do?
Does not improve any health outcome.
Research Sources
- General knowledge
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-07-05