Ingredients/Artificial Colors and Dyes

Artificial Colors and Dyes

General Processing Concern

Synthetic colorings with behavioral and health concerns

What is it?

Artificial colors are synthetic dyes used to enhance or add color to processed foods. Common artificial colors include Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1. They are petroleum-derived chemicals that provide consistent coloring without the variability of natural colorants.

Health Concerns

Key health issues to be aware of

Behavioral Effects in Children

Some studies suggest certain artificial colors may contribute to hyperactivity and attention problems in sensitive children.

Scientific Evidence

Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community

Paper

The Lancet (2007)

A randomized controlled trial found an association between mixtures of artificial colors and sodium benzoate and increased hyperactivity in children

Toxicity of Food Dyes

This review found that all nine currently US-approved dyes raise various health concerns, including carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and hypersensitivity reactions. The report recommends that all currently used dyes be removed from the food supply and replaced with safer alternatives.

Scientific Evidence

Toxicology of food dyes

Paper

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health (2012)

At least four dyes (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to cause hypersensitivity reactions. The review also notes that Red 3 causes cancer in animals, and other dyes are also potentially carcinogenic. The report concludes that inadequate testing and evidence of toxicity suggest that all currently used food dyes should be removed from the food supply.

Full References

Complete academic citations

1. McCann, D., Barrett, A., Cooper, A., et al. (2007). Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community. The Lancet. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61306-3

Regulatory Status

Artificial colors approved for use in the US must be FDA-certified and are subject to batch certification. Some colors banned in other countries are still permitted in the US.

Educational Disclaimer: This information is compiled from peer-reviewed scientific literature and is provided for educational purposes only. This is not medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes or if you have specific health concerns.

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