Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
Food additive E141(ii) consists of copper complexes of chlorophyllins, their sodium and potassium salts. It belongs to the group of additives E141 and is used in the food industry as a green colorant.
Copper complexes are derivatives of chlorophyllins (additive E140(ii)), in which the magnesium ion is replaced by copper, and the structure is converted into a salt to improve solubility.
Unlike additive E141(i), colorant E141(ii) is highly water-soluble, making it especially suitable for use in beverages and liquid products. The additive is stable to heat and light and maintains its green color even in acidic conditions. E141(ii) is produced from plant raw materials — spinach, alfalfa, nettle — using ethanol or other solvents and copper salts, after which the compounds are converted into sodium or potassium salts.
Visually, additive E141(ii) appears as a dark green powder or paste-like concentrate, easily soluble in water due to the presence of sodium and potassium salts. The chemical formula depends on the source pigment and salt form, so it is usually presented as generalized structural formulas. Specifically, the sodium and potassium salts of copper chlorophyllin complexes have the following variants:
- C34H31CuN4Na3O6 – for the sodium salt of copper chlorophyllin a,
- C34H29CuN4Na3O7 – for the sodium salt of copper chlorophyllin b.
In the food industry, additive E141(ii) is often used as a "natural" substitute for synthetic green colorants.
Effects on the body
Risks of additive E141(ii)
Although the raw materials for producing additive E141(ii) are plant pigments, its composition contains copper complexes, which requires special control. Excessive intake of copper can disrupt metabolism and may have toxic effects, especially with chronic exposure.
Additional potential risks are associated with the production technology: residues of organic solvents, pesticide impurities, or other heavy metals may remain after extraction and chemical modification. Unlike colorant E141(i), additive E141(ii) has higher solubility and bioavailability, which theoretically may enhance both positive and negative effects.
EFSA scientific reviews indicate that data on the toxicological profile of Cu-chlorophyllins are contradictory. In several in vitro and in vivo studies, they showed antioxidant properties and the ability to reduce cell damage caused by reactive oxygen species. However, there are studies where dose-dependent adverse effects were observed, including stimulation of tumor cell growth in laboratory animals.
Following its review, the EFSA Panel on Food Additives (ANS) noted that reliable data on absorption, metabolism, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive, and developmental toxicity of copper chlorophyllin complexes (E141(ii)) are still insufficient. As a result, the existing acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been withdrawn, and the safety of the substance cannot be considered definitively established.
In the European Union, additive E141(ii) is authorized for use under "quantum satis" conditions, meaning only in quantities necessary to achieve the technological effect.
Benefits of additive E141(ii)
Copper chlorophyllin complexes (E141(ii)) are studied not only for potential risks but also for possible beneficial effects. A number of scientific studies indicate that these compounds may have antioxidant properties, reduce oxidative stress, protect cells from damage by reactive oxygen species, and even combat cancer.
Additionally, there is evidence that chlorophyllins can reduce the bioavailability of toxins, such as aflatoxins, and promote their excretion from the body. Their potential positive impact on gut microbial balance is also discussed.
Nevertheless, these effects depend on dosage and conditions of use, so the results cannot yet be considered conclusive.
Uses
Due to its high solubility, additive E141(ii) is actively used:
- in non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages;
- in ice cream, milkshakes, and yogurts;
- in desserts, jelly, and marmalade;
- in sauces and salad dressings;
- in confectionery products with moist textures.
Unlike colorant E141(i), which is more often used in fatty products, additive E141(ii) is indispensable for coloring liquid matrices.
Legal Status
Additive E141 and its subgroups are included in the list of authorized additives in the European Union according to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Purity parameters and maximum levels of impurities for additive E141(ii) are described in Regulation (EC) No 231/2012.
Copper chlorophyllin complexes are officially permitted for use in the food industry in many countries, including the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, as well as Ukraine and CIS countries.
