| Additive Summary | Patent Blue V (E131) |
|---|---|
| Essence | Patent Blue V (E131) is a synthetic triphenylmethane dye or artificial color typically used for its blue-adding color to food, supplements, or whatever else. |
| Names | Patent Blue V, E131, Food Blue 5, CI Food Blue 5, Acid Blue 3, L-Blau 3, Sulphan Blue, Carmine Blue V, Patentblau V, Sky Blue, C-Blau 20, C.I. 42051, CAS No. 3536-49-0, Acidal Carmine V, and others. |
| Sourcing | This color is fully synthetically made from a mixture of N, N-Diethylaniline and 3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde. |
| Manufacturing | To create Patent Blue V, the N, N-Diethylaniline and 3-Hydroxybenzaldehyde first undergo condensation and sulphonation in acidic conditions of Sulphuric Acid (TLC tested). The outcome (leuco form) of that is treated with Ammonia and then, oxidated with Manganese Dioxide whilst in Phosphoric Acid (HPLC controlled). The outcome of that gets coupled with Sodium Hydroxide. After that, it gets precipitated either by using Hydrochloric Acid and Calcium Chloride or Sodium Chloride and Hydrochloric Acid (UV controlled). The outcome of that gets filtrated and dried at 180°C. It’s then grinded or milled and standardized with either Sodium Sulphate or Sodium Chloride (to 90%). |
| Application | Coloring (blue to dark blue, very water-soluble). |
| Acceptable Daily Intake | Supposedly, it is safe and won’t cause long-term side effects if used in amounts up to 5 milligrams on every kilogram of body weight. Still, the reality feels a little bit different since we preferably shouldn’t consume any of the Sky Blue at all. |
| Side Effects | As an artificial color, Food Blue 5 has been linked to cancer, brain damage, hyperactivity. It can also cause itching, nausea, hypotension, nettle rash, anaphylactic shock, and others. This blue coloring has been banned in Norway, Australia, and the USA. |
| Benefits | None. |
| Studies | 550+ studies on Pubmed. And 10+ studies on safety. |
| Allergens | None. |
| Diet Restrictions | None. |
| Assessment (As An Additive) |
Seriously Harmful. | Category 5 Additive. |
| Products | It is used in processed foods like ice cream, pastries, sweets, chocolate, chewing gum, dried fruit, coatings, fillings, food decorations, cream-related products, jelly, desserts, and others. |
