Red 40

Avoid ColorantSynthetic

Red 40 is a synthetic colorant used in dietary supplements. Safety rating: Avoid. This ingredient has been flagged for potential safety concerns. Consider alternatives. Found in 17 supplements in the GoodSupp database. A synthetic red azo dye (Allura Red AC).

17 Products use this
Avoid Safety rating
Colorant Category
No Natural origin

Safety Verdict: Avoid

Linked to hyperactivity in children. Banned or requires warning labels in EU.

What is Red 40?

A synthetic red azo dye (Allura Red AC).

Common Names Red 40, allura red,FD&C Red No. 40,E129
Type Colorant
Origin Synthetic / Manufactured
Safety Rating Avoid

Why is Red 40 used in supplements?

Adds red color to supplements.

Role in supplements: Colorant — provides color for product identification. Does not affect efficacy.

Should you be concerned about Red 40?

Yes, this ingredient has concerns. Red 40 has been flagged for potential safety issues. Consumers should carefully evaluate whether products containing this ingredient are right for them.

Linked to hyperactivity in children. Banned or requires warning labels in EU.

Consider alternatives. Look for products that do not contain this ingredient if possible.

Top-rated products containing Red 40

These 17 highest-scoring supplements in our database use Red 40.

SLO-NIACIN Slo-niacin 500 Mg Supports Good Cholesterol
SLO-NIACIN Slo-niacin 500 Mg Supports Good Cholesterol
Product 77 Brand N/A
Halls Defense Vitamin C Citrus Drops Daily Immune Support with Refreshing Citrus
Halls Defense Vitamin C Citrus Drops Daily Immune Support with Refreshing Citrus
Product 75 Brand N/A
Halls Defense Sugar Free Vitamin C Drops Citrus
Halls Defense Sugar Free Vitamin C Drops Citrus
Product 75 Brand N/A
Halls Defense Vitamin C Drops Assorted Citrus
Halls Defense Vitamin C Drops Assorted Citrus
Product 75 Brand N/A
RYSE Loaded Pre Cherry Ring Pop
RYSE Loaded Pre Cherry Ring Pop
Product 71 Brand N/A
Applied Nutrition Liquid Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid, 10 Liquid-Tubes, 3.35 fl oz (100 ml)
Applied Nutrition Liquid Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid, 10 Liquid-Tubes, 3.35 fl oz (100 ml)
Product 70 Brand N/A
BSN N.O.-Xplode®, Legendary Pre-Workout, Fruit Punch, 1.22 lbs (555 g)
BSN N.O.-Xplode®, Legendary Pre-Workout, Fruit Punch, 1.22 lbs (555 g)
Product 70 Brand N/A
BSN N.O.-Xplode®, Legendary Pre-Workout, Fruit Punch, 2.45 lbs (1.11 kg)
BSN N.O.-Xplode®, Legendary Pre-Workout, Fruit Punch, 2.45 lbs (1.11 kg)
Product 70 Brand N/A
BSN N.O.-Xplode®, Legendary Pre-Workout, Grape, 2.45 lbs (1.11 kg)
BSN N.O.-Xplode®, Legendary Pre-Workout, Grape, 2.45 lbs (1.11 kg)
Product 70 Brand N/A
Nature Made Triple Probiotic
Nature Made Triple Probiotic
Product 70 Brand N/A
Optimum Nutrition , Pre-Workout Amped Powder, Berry Fusion, High Stim, Sugar-Free, Caffeine
Optimum Nutrition , Pre-Workout Amped Powder, Berry Fusion, High Stim, Sugar-Free, Caffeine
Product 70 Brand N/A
BSN No-Xplode® VASO, Ultimate Pump Pre-Workout, Jungle Juice, 1.11 lb (504 g)
BSN No-Xplode® VASO, Ultimate Pump Pre-Workout, Jungle Juice, 1.11 lb (504 g)
Product 69 Brand N/A
BSN No-Xplode® VASO, Ultimate Pump Pre-Workout, Grape Fury, 1.11 lb (504 g)
BSN No-Xplode® VASO, Ultimate Pump Pre-Workout, Grape Fury, 1.11 lb (504 g)
Product 69 Brand N/A
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard® Pre-Workout, Fruit Punch, 10.58 oz (300 g)
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard® Pre-Workout, Fruit Punch, 10.58 oz (300 g)
Product 68 Brand N/A
Optimum Nutrition Essential Amin.O. Energy®, Concord Grape, 9.5 oz (270 g)
Optimum Nutrition Essential Amin.O. Energy®, Concord Grape, 9.5 oz (270 g)
Product 66 Brand N/A
Schiff MegaRed®, Advanced 4 In 1 Omega-3s, Ultra Strength, 900 mg, 40 Softgels
Schiff MegaRed®, Advanced 4 In 1 Omega-3s, Ultra Strength, 900 mg, 40 Softgels
Product 66 Brand N/A
Optimum Nutrition Essential Amin.O. Energy®, Concord Grape, 1.29 lb (585 g)
Optimum Nutrition Essential Amin.O. Energy®, Concord Grape, 1.29 lb (585 g)
Product 66 Brand N/A
Related Ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red 40 safe in supplements?

Red 40 is rated avoid based on safety research. This ingredient has been flagged for potential health concerns, and consumers should carefully evaluate whether products containing it are appropriate for them. Consider looking for alternatives that use safer substitutes. Linked to hyperactivity in children. Banned or requires warning labels in EU. In GoodSupp's database, 17 products contain this ingredient. Consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

What is Red 40 and why is it in my supplement?

A synthetic red azo dye (Allura Red AC). As a colorant, it provides visual identification for the product. While it doesn't affect efficacy, some consumers prefer supplements without artificial colors. It appears in 17 products in the GoodSupp database.

Is Red 40 natural or synthetic?

Red 40 is synthetically produced, meaning it is manufactured through chemical processes rather than directly extracted from natural sources. Synthetic ingredients are extremely common in supplements and are not inherently less safe than natural alternatives. In many cases, synthetic production allows for higher purity and more consistent quality. The FDA regulates both natural and synthetic supplement ingredients under the same safety standards. GoodSupp rates ingredients based on their actual safety data regardless of whether they're natural or synthetic.

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Disclaimer: GoodSupp provides independent supplement quality analysis for informational purposes only. Scores are generated algorithmically based on ingredient profiles, brand certifications, and public records. This is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Product data is sourced from manufacturer labels and public databases. GoodSupp is not affiliated with any supplement brand.