New research raises concerns that one of the most common dyes used in processed foods could harm gut health and increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
The study published in Nature Communications focused on a synthetic food coloring commonly known as Red Dye 40. The study showed continual exposure to the dye harmed gut health and cause inflammation in mice.
The red dye is used in cereals, beverages, gelatins, puddings, dairy products and candy, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Brands that use Red Dye 40 include Skittles, Doritos and Twizzlers.
All food color additives, including Red Dye 40, require FDA approval. The agency says food dyes are safe when used in accordance with regulations, which stipulate types of foods they can be used in, maximum amounts and labeling requirements.
The safety of food dyes has been controversial, and the FDA over the years has banned several red dyes and others.
Researchers who conducted the study said the red dye increases production of the hormone serotonin in the gut of mice, altering the composition of microorganisms. That led to increased susceptibility of inflammation. The effect has not been proven in humans.
Causes and Symptoms of IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. More than 3 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with IBD.
The exact causes of IBD aren’t known, but genetics, immune system function and environmental triggers are thought to play a role. Common symptoms of IBD include:
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain.
- Rectal bleeding/bloody stools.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
It’s difficult to know exactly what in our diets might be linked to the development of IBD, says University Hospitals registered dietitian Elizabeth Traxler, RD, LD.
“We know that chronic inflammation in the gut from our environment can weaken the gut barrier lining, which allows for harmful microbes to enter and displace the healthy groups,” Traxler says.
“Studies on frequent exposure to food additives like red dye suggest it may be a contributing factor to gut dysfunction. But we don’t know at what amount and frequency it increases our risk.”
Researchers from the Canadian study said use of synthetic food dyes is on the rise, and previous studies suggest Allura Red can also affect certain allergies, immune disorders and behavior problems in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The FDA says on its website it has reviewed the effects of color additives on children’s behavior and that most children have no adverse effects. The FDA acknowledges some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to food dyes.
How to Know If Red Dye 40 Is in Food
It would be hard to determine if restaurant food contains the red dye. But on packaged food, the FDA requires food manufacturers to list ingredients, including color additives. Look for the following on packaging labels:
- Red 40
- Red 40 Lake
- FD&C Red No. 40
- Food Red 17
- Allura Red AC
Traxler says the best strategy for gut health is to increase intake of foods that strengthen gut function, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, olive oil, fatty fish, nuts, seeds and fermented foods.
Related Links
University Hospitals has a team of clinical dietitianswith the knowledge and experience to help you achieve total, balanced nutrition; reach or maintain an optimum weight; and prevent or manage chronic health conditions through dietary strategies.
The University Hospitals Rainbow Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centeris the first of its kind in the region, where children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can receive the most advanced care possible.
FAQs
Researchers who conducted the study said the red dye increases production of the hormone serotonin in the gut of mice, altering the composition of microorganisms. That led to increased susceptibility of inflammation. The effect has not been proven in humans.
Is the red dye in Gatorade bad for you? ›
Red Dye 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. While the consensus from health organizations is that Red Dye 40 poses little health risk, the dye has been implicated in allergies and worsened behavior in children with ADHD.
Does Twizzlers have red dye 40? ›
What are the main ingredients in TWIZZLERS Twists? The main ingredients in TWIZZLERS Twists are corn syrup, wheat flour, sugar, and cornstarch. There are also smaller amounts of palm oil, salt, artificial flavor, glycerin, citric acid, potassium sorbate, Red 40, and soy lecithin in TWIZZLERS Twists.
What happens if you eat too much red food dye? ›
Red dye 40 contains benzene, a known cancer-causing substance. “Researchers also found tumor growth in animals that consumed high doses of food dyes, though it can be hard to translate what this means for kids,” says Zumpano. “Some studies say the small amount of benzene in the dyes couldn't pose a high risk.”
Can red dye 40 cause diarrhea? ›
Migraines and Red Dye 40
Many people who get migraines report having a sensitivity or intolerance to foods that have red or yellow dyes in them. Other symptoms of food intolerance include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping.
Does ketchup have red dye? ›
Red food dye can be found in condiments like ketchup, barbecue sauce and sometimes mustard (yellow and red food dye mixed together). Even peanut butter-flavored foods may contain a small amount of red and yellow dye mixed together to create a golden color.
Why is Red 40 not banned in the US? ›
Some studies mentioned by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) have suggested that consuming high amounts of the dye may lead to an increased risk of developing cancer. However, the FDA still considers Red Dye 40 safe for consumption, and more research is needed to establish a direct causative link.
How long does it take for food coloring to get out of your system? ›
It typically takes between 24–48 hours for food to leave, or transit, a person's system. This can include food that turns stool blue. A person may have blue stool during this transit period, despite not eating any more blue dyed foods.
Does Coca-Cola have red dye 40? ›
Here are some examples of drinks that kids drink on regular basis that contain red dye #40: Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, Seven Up, Gatorade, Hawaiian Punch, and Pepsi.
What does red dye 40 do to your body? ›
Experts believe that red dye 40 and other synthetic color additives may cause behavioral changes due to: a depletion of minerals that play a role in growth and development, including zinc and iron. chemical changes in the brain. hypersensitivity, which causes allergic reactions such as inflammation.
Brands that use Red Dye 40 include Skittles, Doritos and Twizzlers. All food color additives, including Red Dye 40, require FDA approval. The agency says food dyes are safe when used in accordance with regulations, which stipulate types of foods they can be used in, maximum amounts and labeling requirements.
Are Doritos bad for IBS? ›
Study: Common food dye in Doritos, soft drinks can trigger inflammatory bowel diseases. (CBS/CBS Newspath/WKRC) - A common red dye found in items like candy, soft drinks, dairy products and some cereals may trigger inflammatory bowel disease.
Do M&M have red dye 40? ›
For instance, M&M's and Skittles no longer contain the dye. But it can still be found in many other products, including certain snacks, cake and cookie icing and decorations and some Halloween treats.
What does red 40 do to your body? ›
Red dye 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. Research has shown that it is linked to certain ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, and may also cause other neurobehavioral effects in children. People can check for red dye 40 on food labels if they wish to limit their intake.
What does blue 1 do to your body? ›
Blue 1 is found in thousands of food products, including beverages, candy, and baked goods. One (unpublished) animal test suggested a small cancer risk, and a test-tube study indicated the dye might affect neurons. It also causes occasional allergic reactions.
Is allura red bad for you? ›
In December, a Canadian study on mice found that another commonly used red — Allura Red AC, also known as FD&C Red 40 and Food Red 17 — could trigger inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Other studies have connected several artificial dyes, including red dye No.
What does yellow 5 do to your body? ›
After three hours of exposure, yellow 5 caused damage to human white blood cells in every concentration tested. Researchers noted that cells exposed to the highest concentration of yellow 5 weren't able to repair themselves. This may make tumor growth and diseases like cancer more likely.
