Last updated on January 4th, 2024 at 11:09 pm
The FDA has deemed food dyes safe for consumption. However many Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of food dyes.
Are Artifical Food Dyes Safe?
First, it is important to understand what food dyes are. Food dyes are chemicals synthesized from Petroleum. Sounds yummy, right? Further, they are banned in most countries, including the EU.
Many parents are wondering if food dye is hurting their child’s behavior. And it’s not just children. Adults have also come forward stating an increase in aggressive behavior after consuming certain food dyes.
Behavioral issues are not the only side effects caused by food dyes. People have reported symptoms ranging from gut issues to joint pain, and migraines.
The resources below are intended to give you easy access to scientific studies regarding artificial food colors.
There are four main sections with information about artificial food dyes, including:
- General overview of food dyes and reasons for concern
- Neurological health, food dyes and behavior, and hyperactivity
- Gut health
- Marketing
Can Artificial Food Dyes Cause Health Problems?
If food dyes have recently become a concern, I encourage you to read Food Dyes A Rainbow of Risks. I’ve also included a link to a short Ted Talk where a mother walks you through her sons journey with food dyes.
- Food Dyes A Rainbow of Risks (pdf) from Center for Science in the Public Interest.
- Ted Talk about food dyes and their effects on children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQzOHAwCfXs
Food Dyes and Behavior
This includes neurological health, like hyperactivity.
- Artificial Food Colors and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Symptoms: Conclusions to Dye for. Source; National Library of Medicine
- Do Artificial Food Colors Cause ADHA Symptoms? Source; CHADD Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Health Effects Assessment: Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes in Children. Source; OEHHA California Office Of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment also here is the PDF version
- The effects of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, artificial food colorings and benzoate preservative challenge on hyperactivity in a general population sample of preschool children. Source; National Library of Medicine
- Food additives and hyperactive behavior in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Source; National Library of Medicine
Food Dyes and Gut Health.
Gut health can affect every aspect of our overall health, including emotional well-being, for instance, food dyes and behavior.
- Food colorants metabolized by commensal bacteria promote colitis in mice with dysregulated expression of interleukin-23. Source; Cell Metabolism
Marketing Techniques Of Companies Using Food Dyes Targeting Children
- Prevalence of Artificial Food Colors in Grocery Store Products Marketed to Children. Source; Sage Journals
- Mars Fails On Its Commitment To Remove Food Dyes From American Products. Source; Center for Science in the Public Interest.
I will be adding more links over time. Please contact me if you know of a study that should be added to the list.
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A comprehensive workbook crafted to empower parents in effortlessly eliminating artificial dyes from their children's diets.
Our user-friendly guide is packed with various resources and engaging worksheets tailored for you and your little one, ensuring a seamless transition to a vibrant, dye-free lifestyle."
- 4 WEEKS of Dye-Free Meal plans, carefully constructed and with shopping lists.
- The Big List of Dye-Free Breakfasts
- The Big List of Dye-Free Lunches
- The Big List of Dye-Free Snacks
- The Big List of Dye-Free Dinners
- Your favorite grocery store brands that are dye-free
- Food Mood Journals - 2 versions
- Dye-Free Success Checklist (start here)
- Weekly Observation Notes - perfect for sharing with family members, teachers, and healthcare providers
- Kids How Do I Feel Today printables
- My favorite Dye-Free Foods quick reference sheet
- Meal Planners - 3 versions
- Grocery List Planner
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