Chemical food dyes are used widely, and one in particular—Allura Red (AR)—is extremely common. In fact, AR is the most widely used food dye in many countries 1 . Despite its prevalence, not all that much is known about its impact on human health. Fortunately, a group of researchers from McMaster University in Ontario tested the effects of intermittent exposure to AR on animals , and now we know a whole lot more. Meet Allura Red AC
After 12 weeks of regular intermittent exposure (which mimics the type of exposure a human might get from food), researchers found that AR harmed gut health and contributed to chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in mice.
Specifically, researchers found that AR directly disrupts gut barrier function, alters gut microbiota composition, and is linked to an increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is an umbrella term for diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are characterized by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity in the gut.
Study author Waliul Khan, Ph.D., explained in a news release, "What we have found is striking and alarming, as this common synthetic food dye is a possible dietary trigger for IBD. This research is a significant advance in alerting the public on the potential harms of food dyes that we consume daily."
Yes, you read that correctly—daily. Many people consume AR every single day in foods like candy, soda, dairy products, and cereals. Children are also at risk, as it’s often added to kids’ products to add color and texture.
Previous research had shown us that some food dyes, including AR, triggered inflammation and oxidative stress. But this study gave us more information on exactly how this dye actually affects our gut and is linked to disease. This is a big deal when you consider that around 1.3% of U.S. adults report being diagnosed with IBD 2 (either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). Furthermore, there’s currently no cure, and many treatments fail to put the disease fully into remission. The anti-IBD diet
After what we learned from this study, it would be wise for all of us—digestive […]
This Color Food Dye Was Just Linked To Gut Inflammation & IBD
