In the colorful world of processed foods, an often overlooked ingredient is Red Dye #40. Widely used to enhance the visual appeal of various food products, this synthetic dye has come under increased scrutiny due to its impact on health, especially among children. As research unfolds, concerns are mounting about the possible dangers associated with the consumption of Red Dye #40 and its link to adverse effects on children.
Red dye 40, a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum, is widely utilized in food and beverages. It is among the nine certified color additives sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Synthetic color additives like Red dye 40 are preferred by manufacturers due to their ability to offer consistent coloring, absence of undesired flavors, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural alternatives. While food manufacturers must adhere to FDA-certified synthetic additives, natural color additives sourced from vegetables, minerals, and animals are not required to undergo certification but still necessitate FDA approval for use.
In the 1970s, pioneering research initiated the exploration of Feingold's hypotheses, aimed at uncovering the link between food dye and hyperkinesis, now identified as ADHD. Utilizing dye-challenge studies, researchers administered placebos or AFCs(Artificial Food Coloring) in single bolus doses, closely monitoring behavior for specified periods. Alternatively, consecutive doses were administered, followed by thorough behavior evaluations.
These studies were very clear in what they saw, the children that received the placebo had no behavioral changes while the children fed the dye undertook notable changes. The higher the dose of dye the more drastic and obvious the change.
Something interesting that was observed was it affected younger children more potently then it did the older children.
Another important factor recognized was that the effects mostly take place when the dye is mixed with preservatives. “For example, Egger et al. 23 found that many hyperactive children reacted not only to AFCs and preservatives (79% of those tested) but also to many common foods, including milk (64% of those tested), chocolate (59% of those tested), and wheat (49% of those tested). Of those children reacting to AFCs and preservatives, no child reacted to AFCs alone; rather, combination with at least two common foods was required.” -Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry.2009
Which of course is unfortunate given that Red dye 40 is one of the most commonly used additives for processed foods. It is present in the common foods and beverages, including:
Candies and Confectionery: Many brightly colored candies, particularly those with red hues, often contain Red Dye #40. Gummy bears, licorice, and various fruit-flavored candies are common culprits.
Breakfast Cereals: Some popular breakfast cereals, especially those marketed towards children, use Red Dye #40 to create visually appealing and brightly colored cereals.
Snack Foods: Certain snack foods, including chips, crackers, and cookies, tend to use Red Dye #40 to enhance their appearance.
Beverages: Fruit-flavored drinks, sodas, and sports drinks often contain Red Dye #40 to achieve vibrant colors.
It has been stated and believed by academic medical groups that red dye #40 among other color additives may cause behavioral changes due to:
Sensitivity to food dyes varies from one person to another, but most research has focused on children given they are the most affected. These effects have been shown to occur whether or not they had preexisting behavioral conditions like ADHD.
Through these studies, we have shed light on the potential dangers of Red Dye #40, particularly in the context of children's health. Some notable concerns include:
And of course the original reason the studies were triggered, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
As stated before, this mostly shows up in children, however, when tested in adults, hyperactivity symptoms may show up as restlessness, sleepless nights, and excessive talking.
For too long, the scapegoat for hyperactivity has been sugar, blamed for the common symptoms seen in children. Yet, the research on the connection between sugar and ADHD yields mixed findings.
A 2019 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders hints at a potential link between a diet high in refined sugar and saturated fat and an increased risk of ADHD. However, the authors caution that the current evidence, primarily based on observational studies, lacks robustness and calls for further investigation.
In 2020, Complementary Therapies in Medicine suggested a possible relationship between sugar consumption and ADHD symptoms. Conversely, a 2019 study proved no correlation between sucrose, a type of sugar, and ADHD incidence in children.
While more research is warranted to ascertain sugar's impact on ADHD symptoms, the majority of studies indicate a connection between food dyes and hyperactivity. Notably, extensively researched food dyes like red no. 3, red dye 40, and yellow no. 5 are particularly implicated.
So how do we avoid this? What can we do to protect ourselves and our children? The strongest move you can make would be to cut out processed foods entirely and move to more natural organic consumption. Otherwise, be incredibly diligent when it comes to reading labels on food products.
It is important to note that it may go by other names, including Allura Red AC, Red 40, Red 40 Lake, FD&C Red no. 40 Aluminium Lake, and FD&C Red no. 40.
It's not just Red Dye #40 causing concerns. The charged sulfonate groups on Yellow #5 and Yellow #6 complicate absorption and enzymatic metabolism. Furthermore, Red #3 was banned by the FDA for cosmetics and externally applied drugs due to its link to thyroid tumors in animals. Shockingly, it's still permitted in food, with the FDA certifying small amounts (1 mg/capita/day) for coloring maraschino cherries, baked goods, sausage casings, and candies.
As concerns about the potential dangers of Red Dye #40 continues to grow, it becomes imperative for consumers, especially parents, to be vigilant about reading ingredient labels. Next time you get drawn in by the alluring colorful world of candies, treats, and drinks, think again! While regulatory bodies continue to evaluate the safety of this synthetic dye, making informed choices about the foods we consume can contribute to the overall well-being of our children. Awareness is the first step toward fostering a healthier, more mindful approach to nutrition and safeguarding the health of the next generation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22176942/
https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/risk-assessment/report/healthefftsassess041621.pdf
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/red-dye-40-adhd#symptoms
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919320540?via%3Dihub
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