Dana Hopkins
Many middle-aged American women suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) problems. In fact, more women than men in the United States suffer from certain intestinal problems, with some studies suggesting that women’s gastrointestinal systems behave differently in part due to “sex-linked characteristics in the brain.”
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
Now a December 2022 study published in Nature Communication claims that there is a common food ingredient in the United States that could trigger IBD.
This common food coloring could be the culprit
Although the causes of IBD have not yet been identified, possible culprits include genetic factors, dysregulated immune responses, and environmental factors. One environmental factor, in particular, is the typical American diet: red and processed meats, lack of fiber, sugar and red food coloring.
Allura Red (AR) food coloring, also known as FD&C Red 40 and Food Red 17, is a synthetic coloring made from petroleum. It has long been a commonly used ingredient in the American diet. It appears in foods like cereals, pastries, fruit bars, dairy products, condiments, candies, soft drinks, etc.
It is an FDA-approved colorant for foods, drugs, and cosmetics (even cosmetics intended for use around the eyes). Research suggests that it is one of, if not them most widely used artificial food coloring in grocery items.
You may have heard of the potential link between red food coloring and ADHD in some children. Red #2 dye was even banned in the United States in 1976 after a Russian study linked it to cancer, a link that has never been fully proven or disproved.
However, research regarding the effect of AR on gut health has been lacking in recent years. This new study has changed that, finding evidence of a link between the two.
The Potential Dangers of Allura Red
The study, conducted by McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, found that allura red can cause inflammation and increase serotonin in the gut (leading to colitis). It can also affect certain allergies, immune disorders, and behavioral problems in children.
Lead author Waliul Khan, Ph.D., along with a team of researchers, studied the effects of common food colorings (including AR) on serotonin production in mice. The mice were then divided into three different groups and fed either a standard diet, a diet including RA daily, or a diet including RA once a week.
After 12 weeks of these diets plus a buffer week thereafter, the mice were exposed to a chemical to induce colitis. Mice that consumed AR only once a week did not appear to have an increased susceptibility to colitis, but those that consumed AR daily developed mild colitis. This led to a deterioration in the intestinal absorption of nutrients as well as an increase in serotonin levels.
Additionally, the researchers conducted a similar study in four-week-old mice and found that early exposure to ARs induced low-level colonic inflammation.
As Dr Khan said Daily Science“What we have found is striking and alarming, as this common synthetic food coloring is a possible food trigger for IBD. This research is a significant step forward in alerting the public to the potential harms of the food colorings we consume on a daily basis.
It is important to note that these foods do not cause IBD, but exacerbate IBD symptoms. Further research in human subjects at clinical and experimental levels is needed to further explore the link between IBD and Allura Red food coloring.
If you have gastrointestinal issues, your healthcare provider can help you make decisions about lifestyle changes.
However, while some Gastrointestinal problems can be alleviated by certain foods and drinks, IBD is a serious disease. You should consult your healthcare team to help you decide on the best course of action for you.