Scientists have found a link between a common food dye used in famous snacks such as skittles, Doritos, and others, and bowel inflammation, a new study says.

The study notes that regular consumption of a common synthetic food dye that is widely used in sweets, soft drinks, and cereals, could be negatively impacting our gut health. Researchers studied mice and found that Allura Red AC can be a trigger for inflammation of the large intestine if eaten in regular amounts.

Common Food Dye Linked to Gut Inflammation

When younger mice consumed the synthetic food dye, it appeared to enhance the risk of developing gut issues later on. The term "regular" used in the study means daily exposure, something that might only apply to people who are hardcore fans of colored candies and vibrant breakfast cereals.

Despite the study's findings, it does necessarily mean that the effects would translate neatly to human beings. However, these kinds of discoveries can tell scientists a thing or two about the interactions between our diet and our gut's biology that warrant further investigation, as per Science Alert.

The study is not the first time that scientists have discovered concerns involving Allura Red, which is also known as FD&C Red 40 and Food Red 17. On top of other organic compound colorants that are known as azo dyes, the food coloring is poorly absorbed, leading to toxic and possibly carcinogenic effects.

There have been previous studies that suggested that the consumption of food dyes is linked to immune reactions and adverse allergic responses in children. They were also thought to be linked to behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity and attention issues.

According to SciTechDaily, the negative effects of the food dye are a result of the disruption of gut barrier functions and the increase in the production of serotonin, which is a hormone/neurotransmitter found in the gut. This, in turn, leads to an alteration of gut microbiota composition that results in increased susceptibility to colitis.

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Increased Use of Synthetic Food Dye

McMaster University's Waliul Khan said that Allura Red is a common ingredient in candies, soft drinks, dairy products, and some cereals. Food coloring is used to add color and texture to foodstuffs, often to attract younger kids.

Over the last several decades, the use of synthetic food dyes such as Allura Red has significantly increased. However, there have been few earlier study of the effects of the dyes on human gut health.

Khan and his team of experts published the findings of their study on Dec. 20 in the journal Nature Communications. The first author of the study was Yun Han (Eric) Kwon, who recently completed Ph.D. in Khan's laboratory.

Khan, who is a professor at the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, said that their study demonstrates significant harmful effects of Allura Red on gut health. He added that they identified gut serotonin as a critical factor mediating these effects.

The team of scientists from Ontario, Canada, studies a group of mice that they fed high doses of Allura Red for 12 weeks. They then analyzed markers of common synthetic colorants in neuroendocrine intestinal cells, the New York Post reported.

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