The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certifies Red Dye 40 as a safe food additive.
Also Known As
Some people have adverse reactions to food additives like Red Dye 40.
They may experience side effects if they consume amounts usually considered safe.
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For example, about 4% of people with food allergies are allergic to food dye as well.
That said, there has not been a lot of research on the subject.
Some studies have linked Red Dye 40 tomigrainesand worsening symptoms ofattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)in kids.
This article will go over what Red Dye 40 is and which products commonly use it.
What Is Red Dye 40?
Red Dye 40 is an artificially made food additive that comes from petroleum and oils.
The substance is blended with foods to give them a red color.
Red Dye 40 is one of the most common food additives in the U.S.
Artificial food colors are more stable than natural food coloring.
They’re often used in foods that are intended to have a long shelf life.
It is also found in over-the-counter (OTC) products like vitamins and pain relievers.
It can also be mixed with other dyes to get a certain color.
If not, searching for the manufacturer information online may help you find out what’s in a product.
True allergic reactions (IgE-mediated reactions) to food coloring are rare.
With artificial food coloring, the chemicals that make up the dye can break down into very small molecules.
Sometimes, the body sees these molecules as a threat, especially if they bind with proteins.
Migraines and Red Dye 40
People who havemigrainesoften have triggers.
Food dyes, including Red Dye 40, have been linked to migraines andmight be triggersfor some people.
It is not known why food colorings would trigger headaches or migraines.
Many people who get migraines reporthaving a sensitivity or intolerance to foodsthat have red or yellow dyes in them.
Othersymptoms of food intoleranceinclude nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping.
Most people with ADHD do not notice changes in their symptoms related to food dye.
Does Red Dye 40 Cause Cancer?
The long-term effects of Red Dye 40 consumption are still being researched.
These additives are safe “when they are used in accordance with FDA regulations.”
How Can You Tell If You’re Reacting to Red Dye 40?
A severe, life-threatening reaction calledanaphylaxisis an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Many foods and additives can cause symptoms in people who are predisposed to having a reaction.
People who have reactions often notice a pattern of symptoms linked to certain foods, drinks, or medications.
For example, a certain brand of cookies or candy can come in different colors.
Is There a Test for Red Dye 40 Allergy?
Even with this information in hand, don’t give a shot to diagnose yourself.
It’s important that you involve your healthcare provider, and you may need to see an allergist.
They can figure out what is causing your symptoms and get the right treatment.
Many processed and packaged foods have red coloring.
Other commonly used red dyes include:
These food dyes are not limited to just food and medications.
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