That electric blue color in your sports drink. The bright green in your candy. The seemingly innocent yellow in your cereal.
These flashy colors are thanks to artificial food dyes. While they may make our food look more appealing, a closer look at them shows a very concerning truth about their impact on our health.
Let’s take a closer look.
Why are food dyes used?
There is no health benefit to using food dyes. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.
They are synthetic petroleum-based, meaning the same stuff that’s used to power your car is used to dye your food.
The only real purpose of food dyes? It’s for companies to make more sales.
The bright, artificial colors used in these foods boost the visual appeal of ultra-processed foods. The worst part is that they entice children to want them. Cereal feels so much more fun when it’s pink, yellow, and blue than it does when it’s beige.
But, it’s not just the kids that are getting tricked — adults are, too.
These artificial colors mask the lack of naturally colorful ingredients like fruit. So they make up for it with bright and toxic colors that grab our attention.
The worst offenders are products that are labeled as “healthy,” such as yogurts and protein cereals, but one look at the nutrition label reveals they’re actually toxic.
And here’s the problem: our bodies don’t recognize these synthetic chemicals as food. Increasingly, evidence supports that these colorings are doing more harm than good.
What is the potential health risk of artificial food dyes?
The conversation around artificial food dyes and their safety is not new.
For years, scientists and health advocates have raised concerns about their potential effects on our well-being. Here are some of the areas of concern.
Impact on children’s behavior
One of the most debated and researched areas is the link between artificial food dyes and behavioral issues in children.
You might have noticed how some kids seem especially hyperactive after eating brightly colored snacks or drinks. And studies have explored this connection beyond just the sugar content that is often abundant in these foods.
One study found that certain artificial food dyes and sodium benzoate (a preservative) were linked to increased hyperactivity in children.
While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, it’s thought that these dyes might interfere with neurological pathways. Experts have found evidence that links these dyes to neurological problems in some children.
Further, they may also worsen pre-existing underlying sensitivities in some children.
Even the FDA commissioner, Marty Makarty, acknowledged that removing food dyes is an important step to improving children’s health.
Allergic reactions
Just as some people are sensitive to certain foods, others may experience allergic reactions to artificial food dyes.
These reactions can manifest in a variety of ways, from skin rashes and hives to more severe symptoms for some.
This is due to the chemical structure of the dyes. Studies show they may trigger an immune response in some people.
Respiratory issues
New research also suggests a link between artificial food dyes and respiratory problems, especially in people with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Some studies show that certain dyes might exacerbate airway inflammation.
If you have unexplained respiratory symptoms, you might want to consider your intake of artificial food colorings.
Potential link to cancer
One of the most concerning areas of research involves the potential carcinogenicity of some artificial food dyes.
While many regulatory bodies have deemed dyes safe at certain levels, animal studies say otherwise.
Let’s take Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) as an example. It’s been linked to thyroid tumors in animals.
While human studies haven’t confirmed these links for all dyes, the possibility certainly warrants further research and caution.
A global concern
The worries about artificial food dyes aren’t unique to the United States.
Other countries have already taken steps to limit or ban their use. In 2008, British health ministers agreed to phase out six artificial food colorings by 2009.
And the European Union requires warning labels on some food colorings, as an acknowledgment of their potential impact on children’s health.
Companies have already found ways to eliminate these artificial dyes in other countries like Britain and New Zealand.
Take, for example, Kellogg’s Fruit Loops. In Canada, they use natural food dyes like carrot and watermelon juice to color them. But in the U.S, the same product still relies on artificial dyes.
What can you do?
Given the potential health concerns and the alternatives already available in other countries, there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure to artificial food dyes.
1. Read the labels
The most important step to avoiding these dyes is to read the labels on any and all food you purchase.
Food dyes are typically listed in the ingredients list by their specific name. Here are some of the top offenders:
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FD&C Blue No. 1
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Yellow No. 5
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Red No. 40
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Citrus Red No. 2
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Green No. 3
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Orange B
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Yellow No. 5
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Yellow No. 6
Familiarize yourself with the common names of these dyes.
2. Opt for naturally-colored foods
Whenever possible, choose foods that get their color from natural sources.
Think fruits, vegetables, and spices. Many companies are using natural colorings like beet juice, turmeric, and spirulina.
3. Be mindful of processed foods
Artificial food dyes are more prevalent in processed foods like:
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Candy
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Sugary cereal
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Snacks
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Beverages
Cutting back on these items can lower your exposure to dyes.
4. Look for “no artificial flavors” or “naturally-colored” labels
Many brands are now marketing products that are free from artificial colors. Keep an eye out for those labels when you’re grocery shopping.
5. Prep more meals at home
Cooking at home gives you complete control over the ingredients in your food. This allows you to avoid artificial additives altogether.
6. Educate your children
Talk to your children about artificial food dyes and help them understand why avoiding the toxic (yet fun-looking) foods and choosing naturally-colored foods is a healthier option.
Change is coming
The recent announcement in the U.S. regarding the ban of eight commonly used artificial food dyes signals a potential change in how these additives are viewed and regulated.
The FDA’s plan to authorize new natural color additives suggests a move towards safer alternatives.
There is no reason to have synthetic dyes in our food, and there are only benefits to getting rid of them.
The fact that companies have successfully eliminated these dyes in other countries shows it’s possible, giving us hope that the U.S. will follow suit.
At Live Healthillie, we do not allow ANY artificial food dyes in our supplements so it’s never something you need to worry about!
