On the 20th of this month, the journal “Nature” published a new study conducted on mice indicating that the colorant “Allura Red AC” or the red “azo” dye can lead to inflammation of the large intestine if taken regularly, that is, in A case of daily exposure to it, which may only apply to lovers of colorful candy and breakfast cereals.

It has also been shown to increase the risk of later gut problems in younger mice.

Azo dyes and their effect on the gut

According to a report published on the "Science Alret" website, this is not the first time that scientists have revealed concerns about "Alora Red" and other compound organic dyes known as "azo dyes", because the absorption of food dye takes place in Intestines and can be eaten by intestinal microbes, leading to toxic and possibly carcinogenic effects.

Previous studies have indicated that consumption of food dyes is linked to immune reactions and negative allergic responses in children, and even behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity and problems with concentration or attention.

Consumption of synthetic food dye has increased by 500% in the past 50 years (Shutterstock)

Nutritional information label

Over the centuries people have added colorings to food, and in 1856 the first synthetic food coloring was created from coal tar.

Food manufacturers often prefer synthetic food dyes over natural food colorings, such as beta-carotene and beetroot extract because they produce a more vibrant color.

According to a report published on Healthline, the consumption of artificial food dye has increased by 500% in the past 50 years, with children being the largest consumers.

Both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have stated that there is currently insufficient evidence that synthetic food colorings are unsafe as their regulatory agencies operate on the assumption that the substance is safe until proven harmful.

Interestingly, in 2009 the British government began encouraging food manufacturers to find alternative food colorings.

As of 2010, the UK imposed a law requiring manufacturers to place a warning on the label of any food containing artificial food dyes.

Allura red and serotonin

In the new study, Yoon Han Kwon of the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University in Canada tested a range of synthetic colorants including brilliant blue and deep yellow on human tissue and on mice, to model their effect on inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. .

The researchers found that when human intestinal cells grown in the laboratory were exposed to the colorants for a period of 24 hours, each of the dyes had a different effect, and human intestinal cells began to secrete more serotonin in the colon, and Alora Red had the greatest effect, prompting the team of researchers to test effect on mice.

Mice that took a daily dose of Alora Red showed mild inflammation in the colon.

Synthetic dyes used as colorants in foods and drinks can negatively affect attention and activity in children (Shutterstock)

Serotonin is known as a neurotransmitter, and some consider it a hormone the body uses to send messages between nerve cells.

Serotonin appears to affect mood, emotions, appetite, and digestion.

As a precursor to melatonin, it helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and the body clock.

Other experiments showed that daily intake of Alura Red changes the gut microbiome of animals, which may explain how serotonin affects the colon.

Its role in shaping the microbiome is likely to be complex, but given how easily food pigments can be ingested by gut microbes, there is a possibility that this pigment could wreak havoc on the normal activity of the system.

Food dyes and attention and activity problems in children

And the Environmental Health News website published a report indicating that artificial dyes used as colorants in many common foods and drinks can negatively affect attention and activity in children, based on a comprehensive review of the evidence published by the California Office of Environmental Health Risk Assessment OEHHA) in 2021.

Funded by the California State Legislature in 2018, the report's conclusions on the behavioral effects of food dyes are based on the results of 27 clinical trials conducted on children on 4 continents over 45 years, as well as animal studies and research into the mechanisms through which these dyes exert their behavioral effects.

Food dyes in products such as breakfast cereals, juice, soft drinks, frozen dairy desserts, candy and ice cream have been linked to negative neurobehavioral outcomes in children, including inattention, hyperactivity and restlessness.

Animal studies have also revealed effects on activity, memory and learning.

Finally, the researchers say, "This study will not only prompt scrutiny of its use in many industries, but also enhance public awareness to prevent adverse health consequences."