E161b Orange-red to yellow

E161b  is a natural part of a human diet found in orange-yellow fruits and flowers, and in leafy vegetables. According to the NHANES 2013-2014 survey, adults in the United States consume on average 1.7 mg/day of E161b  and zeaxanthin combined. No recommended dietary allowance currently exists for E161b. Some positive health effects have been seen at dietary intake levels of 6–10 mg/day. The only definitive side effect of excess E161b  consumption is bronzing of the skin (carotenemia).[citation needed]

As a food additive, E161b has the E number E161b (INS number 161b) and is extracted from the petals of African marigold (Tagetes erecta). It is approved for use in the EU and Australia and New Zealand. In the United States, E161b may not be used as a food coloring for foods intended for human consumption, but can be added to animal feed and is allowed as a human dietary supplement often in combination with zeaxanthin. Example: E161b  fed to chickens will show up in skin color and egg yolk color