inflammation and trigger inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Rebecca
Aldama/EyeEm/Getty ImagesIn the study, researchers investigated the effects of a commonly used food
dye, “Allura Red,” on intestinal inflammation and whether it could cause
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis. Using an animal model, they
found that chronic but not intermittent consumption of Allura Red induced
mild intestinal inflammation in mice.The researchers hope their findings will alert consumers to the potential
harms of food dyes. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by
chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In 2017, there were
around 6.8 million casesTrusted Source of IBD globally. In 2015,
1.3%Trusted Source of adults in the United States — around 3 million people
— had IBD. Increasing evidenceTrusted Source suggests that diet plays an
important role in the development of IBD.
Precious studies indicate that food additives like titanium dioxide, which
is used to give foods an opaque, white color, alter the gut microbiome and
intestinal function.
Further research into how food additives affect intestinal health could
improve public awareness and health policy around food consumption.
It was assessed the effects of red food dye “Allura Red” (AR), one of the
most widely usedTrusted Source food colorants worldwide, particularly in
the U.S.
The study found that mice exposed to AR in early life were more susceptible
to colitis, a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the
colon’s inner lining. The findings also showed that chronic exposure to AR
induced mild colitis.
Western diets that include high levels of additives, fats, red meat, and
sugar alongside a low intake of fibers are known to trigger chronic
intestinal inflammation.
Food additives, emulsifiers, and synthetic colorants are widely used to
improve the texture, preservation, and aesthetics of food.
Allura Red is found in common processed foods like candies, snack food,
soft drinks, dairy products, and cereals, including: Skittles, Strawberry
Fanta ,Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips, Froot Loops ,Nabisco Oreo
Winter Chocolate and Sandwich.
