By Clark 
A widely used food dye present in Skittles, Doritos, and various other meals may contribute to bowel illnesses, as indicated by a troubling new study published on December 20 in the scientific journal Nature Communications. A group of researchers discovered that prolonged intake of the food additive Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, may lead to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
“This research reveals substantial detrimental impacts of Allura Red on gastrointestinal health and highlights gut serotonin as a pivotal mediator of these effects,” stated Waliul Khan, the senior author of the study, a professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, and a principal investigator at the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute. “These findings have significant implications for the prevention and management of gastrointestinal inflammation.”
Khan characterized his team’s findings as “striking and alarming,” urging the public to examine this information with seriousness. “This research represents a substantial advancement in informing the public about the potential dangers of food dyes that we ingest daily,” he stated.
What is Red 40 food dye, and in which foods is it predominantly present? Continue reading for the comprehensive results of the new study and to evaluate your diet in light of this new information. Additionally, inform yourself about the 23 most detrimental food additives in America.
The scientists investigated a cohort of mice, administering a dosage of Red 40 prevalent in widely consumed food products for 12 weeks, and found that it exacerbates experimental types of colitis.
The researchers discovered that “exposure to AR in early life predisposes mice to increased vulnerability to colitis,” as seen by the presence of artificial color markers in the neuroendocrine intestinal cells.
Neuroendocrine cells are specialized cells in the intestinal lining that produce and secrete hormones and signaling molecules in response to mechanical and chemical cues from the digestive tract and neurological system.
Neuroendocrine cells are essential for regulating numerous physiological functions, such as digestion, metabolism, and immunological response. Disruption may lead to inflammatory bowel disease resulting from inflammation, ulceration, or an imbalance of healthy gut microbiota.
This elucidates the potential correlation between the consumption of red 40 food dye and the onset of bowel disease.
Red 40 is a synthetic food dye frequently utilized in numerous food and beverage items to impart a reddish hue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its usage as a food coloring in the United States.
The additive is synthesized from petroleum by a chemical process that entails the reaction of petroleum-derived intermediates with diverse compounds. It is frequently utilized alongside other food colorants to produce a variety of colors and hues.
Red 40 is utilized in numerous products, such as confections, baked items, cereals, and carbonated beverages. Examples of brands that incorporate Red 40 in their products include:
Skittles, M&M’s, Starburst, Jelly Belly
Twizzlers, Fanta, Mountain Dew, Doritos
It is essential to recognize that not every product from these businesses will include Red 40. Examine the ingredient list on food packaging to ascertain the presence of Red 40 or any other potentially contentious additives.
The recent study was conducted on mice rather than humans; other research has indicated a potential association between Red 40 and behavioral issues in youngsters, and it has also been demonstrated to induce allergic reactions in certain individuals, especially those with sensitivities to food dyes.
Notwithstanding these apprehensions, the FDA has concluded that Red 40 is safe for ingestion at the levels commonly present in food items. In 2011, the agency evaluated its safety, stating regarding Allura Red: “In the U.S., this color is certified as FD&C Red No. 40 and is authorized for use in coloring food, drugs, and cosmetics.”
In 2019, the FDA reassessed its results and upheld its position.
It is essential to recognize the potential dangers linked to synthetic food colorings such as Red 40 and to factor these risks into your everyday dietary decisions.
A peril of food additives is their capacity to interfere with the body’s endogenous hormones. Certain dietary additives, particularly bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, have been demonstrated to interfere with the endocrine system and may be associated with various health concerns, such as fertility complications, obesity, and specific cancer types.
These compounds are present in several products, such as plastic containers and packaging materials, which may leak into food and beverages. To circumvent them, seek products labeled as “BPA Free.”
Trans fats are another addition associated with health hazards. Unhealthy fats are commonly present in processed meals, including baked and fried items, and are associated with a heightened risk of heart disease, stroke, and other significant health issues.
Trans fats are produced through the partial hydrogenation of liquid vegetable oils, a procedure that extends their shelf life and enhances their stability at elevated temperatures. Although trans fats have been predominantly eliminated from the food supply in recent years, they remain in certain goods; thus, it is essential to scrutinize food labels meticulously.
For further information regarding the hazards of food additives, consult our comprehensive list of the 23 Most Detrimental Food Additives in America.