Yellow Warning: The Underestimated Risks of Yellow #6 Coloring (Sunset Yellow FCF)

Have you ever wondered if artificial colors (like Yellow #6) so commonly used in nootropics (and other dietary supplements) offer any nutritional benefits for your cognitive brain? Here's a concerning trend: we now consume five times as much artificial colors as we did in 1955.*¹

A primary reason brands choose artificial colors is for their resilience.

While natural alternatives to Yellow #6 (typically obtained from Annatto, Beta-Carotene, malt color, or Turmeric/Curcumin) are definitely an option, many brands opt for the synthetic variant. Why? Because natural colorants can alter or fade over time—especially under light or fluctuating temperatures.

On the other hand, artificial colors retain their vibrant shade. Plus, they are a very cost-effective option.

So, what exactly is Yellow #6?

Yellow #6 (also known as Sunset Yellow FCF or E110 in the European Union) is a synthetic color used to impart a yellow-orange coloring to tablets, capsules, or gummies.

It's a sulfonated form of 'Sudan I,' one of the original petroleum azo compound dyes developed in the late 19th century during the European textile boom.*

Okay, so it's a common additive. But that surely means it's also safe, right?

Well, there’s a caveat to it. While it’s true that Yellow #6 is approved for use (by regulatory agencies like the FDA) there have been discussions about its potential health implications, especially when consumed in large amounts.*

However, despite the research highlighting a potential concern with this artificial color (and while countries like Australia and New Zealand have curtailed or outright prohibited Yellow #6) the United States still greenlights its use.*²

So, it's no surprise that when you Google 'Yellow #6,' you probably won't find anything 100% positive about it.*^3,4,5

Heads up: Artificial colors may trigger a ‘detox frenzy.’*

This essentially can put our body into a state of stress. What happens? Our organs (especially the liver) may hustle to remove potentially harmful substances, resulting in weight fluctuations, rapid heart rate, inflammation, leaky gut, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, allergies, brain fog, and more.*

The action plan? Steer clear of nootropics riddled with unnecessary fillers, binders, and additives.

For us at HCF®, ditching artificial colors from our advanced nootropics was an OBVIOUS choice! But that alone wasn’t enough. We also advocate for purity, transparency & safety you can trust. It’s an integral part of our 7 Advances® principles.