There are quite a number of products on the market, such as Gatorade, Jell-O, Skittles, Fruit Loops, Doritos, and loads more, that contain the synthetic dye called Allura Red AC. When consumed too often, it may raise the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
The small animal study, which involved laboratory mice, found that frequent and long-term exposure to red dye, which also goes by Food Red 17 and FD&C Red 40, may harm the gut and promote inflammation.
The study, which was published in Nature Communications, found that this particular additive can directly agitate the gut barrier. The gut barrier works to prevent bacterial intrusion, as well as increase serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter responsible for mood, which is also found in the gut. And as the report continues, when this happens, the reaction can change the gut microbiome, which may also lead to an increase of inflammatory bowel conditions.
The study’s senior author, who also happens to research gastrointestinal inflammation at McMaster Universityin Hamilton, Ontario, Waliul Khan, PhD said in a press release, “What we have found is striking and alarming, as this common synthetic food dye is a possible dietary trigger for IBDs.”
He added, “This research is a significant advance in alerting the public on the potential harms of food dyes that we consume daily.”
During the experiment, which was held over a 12-week period, six mice were given a daily control diet without the dye. Meanwhile, another six mice were also given a similar diet with the dye. Dr. Khan and his team observed the link of those exposed to the red coloring and the disturbances found in the gut microbiome. What they found was mild intestinal inflammation.
In addition, the mice that were exposed to the dye at an earlier age were also found to have a “heightened susceptibility” to colitis, which is the inflammation of the large intestine.
Meanwhile, in another experiment, the researches exposed mice to Red 40 intermittently during a diet, just one day a week for at least 12 weeks. The authors of this study noted that the intermittent consumption of the dye was “more akin to a typical human exposure,” which meant that it didn’t influence a vulnerability to inflammation within the intestines.
Red Food Dye Has Always Been Considered a Health Hazard
This latest study only contributes to a continuous amount of evidence that has suggested how Red 40 may be harmful to one’s health. In fact, according to The New York Times, since the 1970s, health experts have already warned that this ingredient could be a public health hazard.
Furthermore, one of the most common concerns about artificial food dyes is the possible behavioral effect it may have on children. The American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that the diets of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should avoid the use of artificial food dyes in order to help lessen their symptoms.
However, there are other well-known and well-respected public health groups that have said that the ‘amount of the chemical dye in the average diet is too low to pose a threat.’ In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, “dietary exposure to Allura Red AC for children and all other age groups does not present a health concern.” Meanwhile, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approves Allura Red AC for human consumption as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recommended daily intake of Allura Red AC should not exceed 3.2 milligrams per pounds of a person’s body weight. This means that if someone weighs around 130-pounds, a 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade fruit punch flavor is already at 10 percent of that person’s daily limit.
Moreover, red dye is ever-present in most processed foods, including candies, soft drinks, cereals, sodas, snacks, and even condiments, fruit juices, ice creams, baked goods, and even in cosmetics.
Causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Dr. Khan also went on to say that while the exact causes of IBD are not exactly known, there are a number of factors that may be involved. These include the imbalances in the gut microbiota, as well as disruptions in the immune system and even environmental elements.
Moreover, Dr. Khan also shares that when it comes to IBD, many of these environmental triggers are typical of a Western diet since it tends to include processed fats, sugar, red and processed meats, and a lack of fiber. Plus, he iterated that most western diets and processed foods tend to have big amounts of both additives and dyes.
Because of the results of the study, Dr. Khan suggests that because of the link they found between IBD and commonly used food dyes, there should be more studies along these lines.
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