Red Dye 40: How do Artificial Food Dyes Impact the Brain?
Today, we’re focusing on the use of artificial dyes in our food and drink and exploring the impact that they have on our brain health. Specifically, we’ll be paying attention to Red Dye 40, a widely used additive that has been cited as a potential risk factor for allergies, migraines, and the worsening of conditions such as ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
What are artificial food dyes, and what products are they used in?
Artificial food dyes are synthetic compounds that are added to a wide range of food and beverage products, including, but not limited to:
Processed snacks
Yoghurts and flavored milk
Candy and chewing gum
Ice cream
Breakfast cereals
Sodas, powdered drink mixes, and sports beverages
The reason for their use is to enhance the look and appeal of food and drink. Red food dye is also used in the production of some cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Current regulations
Presently, Red Food Dye 40 and many other artificial food and beverage dyes are categorized as safe for consumption by the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration in the United States. However, several health experts and advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations. Some are also asking for more extensive research to be carried out to better understand the long-term effects of such products, particularly in children.
So, what are the possible issues with Red Dye 40?
Allergies
Firstly, although most people don’t experience serious issues with synthetic food dyes, some are allergic or hypersensitive to dyes such as Red Dye 40. In cases such as this, encountering the substance can cause an allergic reaction, which if left untreated, can cause neurological and other symptoms, such as skin reactions.
Migraine
Speaking of which, one of the immune responses to an allergy or hypersensitivity to food dyes is migraines. These painful throbbing headaches have been reported in both children and adults due to food coloring, both natural and synthetic.
ADHD and behavior in children
One of the most hotly debated topics is the potential neurotoxic effects of synthetic food additives. Some food dyes can cross the blood-brain barrier and interfere with the function of neurotransmitters, which may explain the behavioral changes some have reported as a consequence of consuming them. Indeed, Red Food Dye 40 has been linked to exacerbated hyperactive behavior in children with ADHD in some studies. Another piece of research concluded that they may also increase hyperactivity in children without ADHD.
Are food dyes safe?
With that said, are fears around the safety of certain artificial food and drink dyes such as Red Dye 40 justified? Studies on the topic have been limited, and a deeper body of research is required to make a full and rounded conclusion. However, those with a hypersensitivity, allergy, parents, and people with ADHD should certainly be aware of the possible effects of such products, and, if necessary, either avoid them or opt for alternatives.