Recent studies have shown that long-term consumption of the commonly used synthetic colorant Allura Red (AR) can lead to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis. .
AR, also known as Red 40, one of nine Synthetic coloring approved for use in food by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers prefer synthetic dyes over natural dyes extracted from animals and plants. Because it costs less, provides more vibrant and uniform color, and doesn’t introduce unwanted flavors.
In a study published on December 20, Nature Communicationsscientists at McMaster University in Canada investigated the effects of exposure to AR on intestinal health. It has been found that it can cause inflammation.
“Dyes directly disrupt the intestinal barrier function and increase production of the hormone/neurotransmitter serotonin found in the gut, which in turn alters the composition of the gut microbiota and increases susceptibility to colitis.” says the scientist. Press release.
For this study, scientists examined the effects of some of the most widely used food dyes on serotonin production, including AR, Brilliant Blue FCF, Sunset Yellow FCF, and Tartrazine Yellow. All of these dyes promoted serotonin secretion, but AR was found to have the most pronounced effect.
The scientists then fed groups of mice different diets for 12 weeks. One group was fed normal food as a control. The other was given AR-infused food daily. The other ate AR-infused food only once a week.
Scientists found that a group of mice that occasionally ingested AR, which most closely resembled the human pattern, became more vulnerable to colitis when colitis was induced by chemical exposure 7 days after feeding. Scientists have discovered that it did not. However, mice fed the AR-infused diet for 12 consecutive weeks developed mild colitis.
Studies have also observed the same effect in mice when AR is added to water instead of food.
To further investigate the effects of early exposure to AR, the scientists performed another controlled experiment by feeding 4-week-old mice a standard or AR-infused diet for 14 weeks. They found that AR-exposed young mice developed mild inflammation in the colon and underactive expression of genes that control antimicrobial responses.
“This is particularly important because synthetic colors are a convenient, low-cost alternative for food manufacturers to make foods brighter and more appealing to customers, especially young children,” they said in the study. pointed out.
Wariul Khan, lead author of the study and professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University, said these findings should alert consumers to the potential harm of food additives.
“Our findings are surprising and alarming because this common synthetic food dye can be a dietary trigger for IBD,” said Khan. “This study is an important advance in alerting the public to the potential harm of the food dyes we consume every day.”
“The literature suggests that consumption of Allura Red also affects behavioral problems in children such as certain allergies, immune disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,” he added. rice field.
It has long been suspected that exposure to synthetic food dyes at a young age could cause ADHD. According to a 2021 California government review (pdf) Scientific research over the past decade has shown that consumption of synthetic food dyes, including AR, has caused hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in at least some children.
ARs are found in a variety of foods and beverages, including cereals, dairy products, puddings, candies, chewing gums, sodas, energy drinks, and confectionery.
