Effects of Caramel Colour III on the number of blood lymphocytes: a human study on Caramel Colour III immunotoxicity and a comparison of the results with data from rat studies

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology Vol. 30; no. 5; p. 427
• Main Authors: Houben, G F, van Dokkum, W, van Loveren, H, Penninks, A H, Seinen, W, Spanhaak, S, Ockhuizen, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-05-1992
• Subjects: Aged; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases - blood; Candy; Carbohydrates; Double-Blind Method; Food Coloring Agents - adverse effects; Humans; Leukocyte Count - drug effects; Lymphocytes - drug effects; Male; Organic Chemicals; Pyridoxal Phosphate - blood; Rats
• ISSN: 0278-6915
• DOI: 10.1016/0278-6915(92)90070-2

Administration of the colour additive Ammonia Caramel Colour (Caramel Colour III) to rats has been associated with decreased lymphocyte counts, specifically in rats fed a diet low in vitamin B6. This effect is rapidly reversible and is caused by an imidazole derivative (THI) in Caramel Colour III. In the present paper, the conduct of a human study with Caramel Colour III is outlined and the results of blood lymphocyte counts are presented. No decrease in the number of blood lymphocytes occurred in marginally vitamin B6-deficient humans who consumed Caramel Colour III at the acceptable daily intake level (200 mg/kg body weight/day) for 7 days. These data are discussed in relation to the effects of Caramel Colour III and THI on blood lymphocyte numbers in rats.