Phycocyanin is a natural pigment extracted from Spirulina platensis and a functional raw material. Spirulina is a kind of microalgae cultured in open or greenhouse. On March 1, 2021, spirulina was added to the health food raw material list by the state market supervision and Administration Bureau and officially implemented. The list indicates that Spirulina has the effect of enhancing immunity and is suitable for people with low immunity.
In Europe, phycocyanin is used as a raw material of color food without limitation（ As a coloring food stuff, spirulina does not have an E number because it is not considered an additive. It is also used as a colorant for nutritional supplements and drugs, and its dosage ranges from 0.4g to 40g / kg, depending on the color depth required by the food.
Extraction process of phycocyanin
Phycocyanin is extracted from Spirulina platensis by mild physical methods, such as centrifugation, concentration and filtration. The whole extraction process is closed to avoid contamination. The extracted phycocyanin is usually in the form of powder or liquid, and other excipients are added（ For example, trehalose is added to make the protein more stable, and sodium citrate is added to adjust pH Phycocyanin usually contains peptides and proteins (10-90% dry weight, including proteins complexed with phycocyanin), carbohydrates and polysaccharides (dry weight ≤ 65%), fat (dry weight < 1%), fiber (dry weight < 6%), mineral / ash (dry weight < 6%) and water (< 6%).
Consumption of phycocyanin
According to the document of Codex Alimentarius Commission, the amount of phycocyanin ingested from food and other dietary sources (including food ingredients, dietary supplements and coating of dietary supplements) is 190 mg / kg (11.4 g) for 60 kg adults and 650 mg / kg (9.75 g) for 15 kg children. The Committee concluded that this intake did not constitute a health problem.
In the European Union, phycocyanin is used as the raw material of color food.
Post time: Jun-08-2021
