Common food dye can trigger IBD

The proliferation of food additives has many scientists concerned about the long-term consequences for human health. Mounting evidence shows that diet plays a major role in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Recently, researchers have shown that long-term consumption of the widely used food coloring, Allura Red (E129), found particularly in baby products, is a potential trigger of these diseases.

Environmental factors play an important role in the development of many inflammatory diseases and Autoimmuneespecially inflammatory bowel disease, incl Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are Inflammatory diseases Dangerous records of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting millions of people around the world.

Furthermore, genetic susceptibility, an inconsistent immune response to disrupted gut microbiota, and environmental factors have been shown to contribute to its occurrence. Hence it becomes easy to understand that food plays a central role, especially in western countries.

You should know that the Western diet in general is characterized by a large intake of food additives, fats, red meat and sugar, and a low intake of fiber, which leads to chronic bowel inflammation. Food additives such as emulsifiers, stabilizers and artificial colors are widely used to improve the texture and maintain the quality and aesthetics of processed foods.

Numerous studies have reported that high levels of these additives, such as maltodextrin and titanium dioxide, as well as ingredients added during food processing, including food emulsifiers and sweeteners Artificial, modified intestinal microbiota. They increase intestinal permeability and reduce the thickness of the septum formed by the mucosa, thus promoting inflammation.

In this context, a team of researchers from McMaster University (Canada) found that continuous exposure to Allura AC red (E129) harms gut health and promotes inflammation, by directly disrupting the function of this barrier.

Excessive use of artificial food coloring

The use of synthetic food colorings has increased dramatically over the past few decades, but there have been few studies on their effect on the gut and general health.

In fact, these compounds are metabolized to generate free aromatic amines in the intestinal lumen, some of which are potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic. Among them, Allura AC Red (FD&C Red 40 or E129) is the most widely used colorant in many countries. It can be found in commonly consumed food products meant for children (such as breakfast cereals, drinks, and desserts).

In addition, previous studies demonstrated that this dye exerted pro-inflammatory properties in the liver and kidneys of the studied mice. A dose of 10 mg/kg body weight orally caused extensive DNA damage in the colon. Although it’s very common in our diet, researchers don’t yet fully understand how it affects gut inflammation.

Occasional use without consequences?

Researchers have found that continued exposure to red allura AC impairs gut health and promotes inflammation. The dye directly disrupts the barrier function of the gut and increases the production of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) found in the gut, which subsequently alters the composition of the gut microbiota, leading to increased sensitivity.

Waliol Khan, lead author of the study, professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and senior researcher at the Farncombe Digestive Health Research Institute, explains in communication :” This study demonstrates the significant adverse effects of aloe vera red on gut health and identifies gut serotonin as a critical factor mediating these effects. These findings have an important implication in the prevention and treatment of IBD. “.

Despite the fact that intermittent exposure in mice (similar to normal human exposure) for 12 weeks does not affect susceptibility to colitis, exposure in early life makes mice more susceptible to colitis.

W Kahn says: What we found is startling and troubling, since this common artificial food coloring is a potential food trigger for IBD. This research is an important step forward in alerting the public to the potential harms of food colorings that we consume on a daily basis. “. Add : ” The literature suggests that consumption of Allura Red also affects certain allergies, immune disorders, and behavioral problems in children, such as attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity. “.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in identifying susceptibility genes and understanding the role of the immune system and microbiota in the development of IBD. However, the determination of the share of environmental risk factors in this area is still very poor.

This finding of a potential link between commonly used food coloring and IBD alone warrants more and more in-depth studies in the field of food coloring.

Source : Nature Communications