Not so Harmless? Recent Study Reveals Possible Neurological Damage Associated with Synthetic Food Dyes
Strolling down an aisle of a local supermarket, it is hard to resist the allure of brightly colored snacks, sweets, and beverages. Artificial food dyes have become widespread in recent years due to their cost-effectiveness, durability, and heightened capacity to enhance the visual appeal of food items relative to natural dyes. In fact, they are so pervasive that shoppers are hard-pressed to find items that do not contain at least one of these chemicals, let alone several. If these artificial colors are everywhere, then they must be harmless, right?
The answer may not be quite so simple. Although many dyes are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these evaluations were largely based on research from the 1980s and earlier, leaving out more recent studies and failing to take into account advancements in scientific understanding of these chemicals. One such study investigated the effects of six commonly used synthetic food dyes —Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2— on brain function and overall neurological health of animals including rats, rabbits, and dogs.
The most common side effects of exposure to these synthetic dyes in animal test subjects were
oxidative stress, inflammation, and changes in neurotransmitter levels, including key molecules such as dopamine and serotonin. Yellow 5 was observed to cause structural damage to the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, crucial brain regions responsible for higher order cognitive functions and motor control. Red 3 has been linked to impairment of synaptic function (communication between neurons) as well as apoptosis (programmed cell death) in liver and kidney cells, while the more infamous Red 40 has been shown to disturb the gut-brain axis, negatively impact neurodevelopment, and lead to decreased energy production via dysfunction of mitochondria. Some of these dyes have even been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling them to act on the brain more directly. Furthermore, an extensive study conducted by the California Environmental Protection Agency and backed by universities including UC Berkeley has shown a link between synthetic food dyes and heightened hyperactivity and attention deficits in children. All of these results are particularly alarming considering that they can arise from doses lower than the current Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).
The answer may not be quite so simple. Although many dyes are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these evaluations were largely based on research from the 1980s and earlier, leaving out more recent studies and failing to take into account advancements in scientific understanding of these chemicals. One such study investigated the effects of six commonly used synthetic food dyes —Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2— on brain function and overall neurological health of animals including rats, rabbits, and dogs.
The most common side effects of exposure to these synthetic dyes in animal test subjects were
oxidative stress, inflammation, and changes in neurotransmitter levels, including key molecules such as dopamine and serotonin. Yellow 5 was observed to cause structural damage to the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, crucial brain regions responsible for higher order cognitive functions and motor control. Red 3 has been linked to impairment of synaptic function (communication between neurons) as well as apoptosis (programmed cell death) in liver and kidney cells, while the more infamous Red 40 has been shown to disturb the gut-brain axis, negatively impact neurodevelopment, and lead to decreased energy production via dysfunction of mitochondria. Some of these dyes have even been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling them to act on the brain more directly. Furthermore, an extensive study conducted by the California Environmental Protection Agency and backed by universities including UC Berkeley has shown a link between synthetic food dyes and heightened hyperactivity and attention deficits in children. All of these results are particularly alarming considering that they can arise from doses lower than the current Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).
Oxidative stress and changes in neurotransmitters may worsen or contribute to conditions such as ADHD, especially in children.
Image Source: Tara Winstead
Another factor that has not received proper attention when determining the safety of synthetic dyes is the possible transgenerational effects of these substances. One study found that consumption of Yellow 5 significantly affected brain development and behavior in three successive generations of mice. Another study found that the cellular harm caused by exposure to artificial colorants could lead to genetic mutations and epigenetic changes.
Artificial dyes are not only found in foods, but are often present in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well. While most Americans are subject to these synthetic dyes, lower income communities are disproportionately harmed, as foods without artificial colorants tend to be rather expensive and therefore inaccessible to many. The toxic effects observed during these animal studies suggest a reconsideration of our current safety requirements, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. However, more research is needed to solidify our understanding and ensure findings are generalizable to humans.
Artificial dyes are not only found in foods, but are often present in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well. While most Americans are subject to these synthetic dyes, lower income communities are disproportionately harmed, as foods without artificial colorants tend to be rather expensive and therefore inaccessible to many. The toxic effects observed during these animal studies suggest a reconsideration of our current safety requirements, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. However, more research is needed to solidify our understanding and ensure findings are generalizable to humans.
Featured Image Source: Leah Newhouse
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