Why You Should Avoid Products with Artificial Coloring

Anecdotal evidence has long suggested that artificial coloring can have negative effects on our bodies. New studies are proving that additives can be harmful and cause changes in behavior. The FDA currently restricts the use of some dyes approved for use in food. Many colors have already been banned, even after being used for years, after being proven to be carcinogenic. It is wise to avoid artificial coloring as much as possible.

Only nine certified colors are approved for use in food by the FDA. These are FD&C Blues 1 & 2, Green 3, Reds 3 & 40, Yellows 5 & 6. Orange B & Citrus Red 2. are restricted to specific uses, and Red 3 is joining them soon. Obviously there is some risk in these three FDA-approved colors, or their usage wouldn't be restricted. This proves that not everything found in our food is completely safe for us to ingest, especially in large quantities. The numbers of these certified colors should give you an idea just how many colors have been invented--and aren't approved for use.

Studies have shown that children who eat red dye are more likely to be active and out of control than those who avoid it. The chance is low, but it does mean that some children are sensitive to red dyes. Negative anecdotes have been reported about reactions to Red-40, such as children recovering from ADHD, OCD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and sleep disturbances after the dye was eliminated from their diet. Parents often notice calmer dispositions and better attitudes during the day once removing red dye from their children's diets. These stories are only backed up by recent studies that demonstrate children who eat additives are more likely to have behavioral problems than those who do not.

Red 3 is also caused erythrosine. It can cause photosensitivity. Large quantities have caused cancer in lab rats--thyroid tumors, to be precise. As discussed above, it may contribute to children developing Attention Deficit Disorder. It enhances the effect of estrogens, as it is a xenoestrogen. Xenoestrogens are associated with medical problems, specifically in the reproductive system. Fetal exposure could led to hypospadias (misplaced urethral opening) in males, one of the most common birth defects. They may act as oncogenes, which cause tumors to become more malignant. High temperatures can degrade the substance, causing iodide to be released and affecting thyroid activity. This can lead to hyperthyroidism. It is not recommended for consumption by children due to the link between Red 3 and hyperactivity. And why would you want to take your chances with cancer? The FDA is considering banning it.

Red 40 has many names: Allura Red, Food Red 17, naphthalenesulfonic acid, & disodium salt. In Europe, it is not recommend for children. Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, and Norway have banned its use completely. Studies have shown that it is not carcinogenic. However, in lab tests, it gets into the urinary tract and is retained in the intestines because it adheres to the intestinal wall. One study showed that it caused hypersensitivity in 15% of people. Those who are allergic to aspirin can have an adverse reaction to Red 40, including rash and nausea. Like Red 3, it is linked to hyperactivity, hence the reason why children should not ingest it. Did you know that it is made from petroleum? Doesn't that make you hungry for a Jolly Rancher or Starburst colored with red 40?

Yellow 5 is also called tartrazine. It is made from coal tar. (Yum!) As I mentioned before, some people are intolerant to yellow 5. This coloring causes the most allergic reactions. Asthmatics and those who are allergic to aspirin are most likely to be intolerant of it. Not only can itching and hives occur, but there are a wide spectrum of other side effects that can occur. This includes but is not limited to anxiety, headache, depression, blurred vision, rash, weakness, heat waves, runny nose, and sleep disturbances. One doesn't have to ingest much to have a reaction. Like the red dyes, it is associated with hyperactivity. It also may cause childhood Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some believe that it may provoke asthma attacks, though there is no evidence to prove this. Norway has banned its use, and Austria & Germany restrict its use. It doesn't cause penile shrinkage; that's a rumor. However, this substance still should not be ingested in large quantities, especially by children.

Yellow 6 is Orange or Sunset Yellow. Like Yellow 5, it is made from coal tar. Again, it can cause allergic reactions especially in those who are intolerant to aspirin. The side effects upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and rash. It is not recommended for children because it, too, is linked to hyperactivity. It is banned in Norway. Liver toxicity hazards are suspected.

Blue 1 or Brilliant Blue, which has various other names, also is made from coal tar and can cause allergic reactions. It was once banned in many European countries, but the ban has been lifted. It is not recommended for children as, like all the other dyes, it may cause hyperactivity.

Blue 2 is indigo dye. It was once made naturally but is now synthetic. Anecdotal evidence suggests it may cause asthma. FD&C Blue 2 is one of the safer food colorings, as far as I can tell. It is now artificial, but it is based on a natural dye. That may be the reason for its safety. Our intestines don't absorb it very well, so its almost complete excreted when we move our bowels.

Green 3 is Fast Green FCF. It is prohibited in the European Union and other countries in food. Like Blue 2, it is one of the safer dyes, as our intestines don't absorb it very well. It has caused growth inhibition in rats in a lab study.

Orange B is used only in hot dog and sausage casings. I was unable to find much else about it, but I'm sure its use is restricted by the FDA for a reason.

Citrus Red 2 may only be used on the skin of oranges, because it is a carcinogen. You should wash and peel your oranges before eating them, and wash your hands after handling the skin before you begin eating. Because the skins are so thick, it is not absorbed into the pulp.

One reason that Cancer is becoming so much more common these days may be our foods. Not only do they contain additives that the FDA admit may cause cancer, our produce is also sprayed with pesticides and other poisons that may be harmful. Artificial coloring is linked to a number of health problems, mainly hyperactivity in children. Perhaps one reason why Americans are so unhealthy is that we are ingesting so many artificial substances that are known to interfere with the way our bodies are designed to function. Reds & yellows are more potentially harmful than other colors, but it is best to avoid all synthetic additives.

Do yourself, and limit your intake of artificial colors. Remember that these colors are not found only in foods, but also in medications and vitamins, clothes, personal care products, and various other products. Read the labels before you buy, use, or ingest something. Your children especially will benefit from a diet low in artificial coloring, as they will probably be much calmer and less likely to be hyper than those who often ingest these colorings. The FDA limits the uses and quantities of these additives and tries to ban those that seem likely to cause harm. However, the FDA isn't perfect, and once-approved colors have been banned after the availability of new data. It is wise to avoid synthetic coloring altogether.