Artificial Colors

Anyone who’s trying to live a more natural life, including the avoidance of artificial ingredients, is no stranger to the notion that artificial colors are not as benign as they’ve been led to believe. Pediatrician Benjamin Feingold first proposed the idea that synthetic dyes may cause health problems back in the 1970s. He created a diet free of artificial food coloring or dyes and preservatives in the treatment of hyperactivity and claimed to have had great success but mainstream medicine and health professionals largely dismissed this hypothesis.

Not surprisingly, natural food advocates clash with large food manufacturers on this issue with both sides citing support for their respective positions. Food manufacturers point to studies and reviews that support their beliefs that artificial dyes are safe, however there is emerging evidence to suggest that concerns over artificial colors isn’t just a silly past time.

What do some of the studies say about artificial colors?

A 2004 meta-analysis in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics casts doubts on the idea that these dyes are safe. Using standardized behavioral testing, artificial colors were found to be associated with increased hyperactivity in children with existing hyperactivity disorders, raising the question that these dyes may be a problem for certain groups who are more susceptible to their effects.

A better-designed randomized control trial that appeared in the November 2007 issue of the Lancet compared the effects of a placebo beverage (free of artificial colors) to one that contained artificial colors with a common preservative used in beverages, sodium benzoate. In both age groups tested, one group aged three and the second group eight to nine, a significant increase in hyperactivity was observed.

Who are the offenders?

The most common artificial colors permitted in food include:

• FD&C Blue No. 1

• FD&C Blue No. 2

• FD&C Green No. 3

• Orange B

• FD&C Red. No. 3

• FD&C Red. No. 40

• FD&C Yellow No. 5

• FD&C Yellow No. 6

Where are artificial colors found?

The use of artificial colors has been steadily increasing over the past 60 years. It’s estimated that the general public is consuming about five times more food coloring that our grandparents did; a daily average of about 60mg per person versus just 12mg in the mid 1950s. Artificial colors can be found pretty much anywhere there’s color. Often you’ll just see the word ‘color’ in the ingredient list without reference to the specific type of dye. The foods where they’re lurking aren’t just for kids either; adults are exposed to them everyday even if they feel they don’t pose a health concern.

Food dyes can be found in foods such as:

• Salad dressing

• Ice cream

• Sport drinks

• Candies

• Chewing gum

• Puddings

• Brightly colored breakfast cereal

• Bottled sweetened beverages

• Popsicles

• Flavored gelatin

• Soft drinks

• Jams and jellies

What can you do?

While the jury is still out as to whether or not artificial colors should be out right banned or at the least have warning signs, there’s a lot you can do in the meantime. Choosing a healthy diet that is based on minimally processed, nutrient-dense whole foods is one of the best ways to avoid exposure. When choosing prepared foods, go for organic as much as possible which have not used any synthetic dyes and make reading labels and ingredients lists a part of your food shopping experience.

Want to learn more about the dangerous additives in your food? Check out Unjunk Your Junk Food available now on Amazon. 

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