Multifunctional applications of natural colorants: Preservative, functional ingredient, and sports supplements

Abstract

In the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, artificial colorant is one of the most vital and frequently used additives due to its easy availability, low cost, and higher stability. However, the main adverse effect of using artificial colorants is its health hazard. For this reason, the food industry is seeking some healthy alternatives. The recent trend of using natural colorants is growing day by day. One of the most prominent components of the plant kingdom currently used in a variety of industries, including the food preservation industry, the cosmetics industry, and the sports sector is called natural colorant. The main objective of this review study is to explore the numerous applications of natural colorants with their proper classification. The usage of natural colorants for the intensification of functional properties of food, for food preservation, and the generation of innovative sports supplements were discussed in the entire manuscript. After the collection of relevant research regarding the topic, it was seen that betalain, anthocyanin, curcumin, and carotenoids are the most frequently discussed natural colorants, mainly used as a preservative and contains enormous health benefits (e.g. anthocyanin is responsible for the maintenance of healthy vision, normal blood glucose level, relaxation of vascular endothelial cells and also contains antioxidant properties). It is used in the food industry to enrich the color as well as nutritional quality of the food product. The uses of natural colors for the development of sports supplements are still limited and need further research in this particular area.