The proliferation of food additives worries many scientists regarding the long-term consequences for human health. Mounting evidence shows that diet plays a central role in the development of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Recently, researchers have shown that the long-term consumption of a widely used food coloring, Allura Red (E129), present in particular in children’s products, is a potential trigger for these diseases.
Environmental factors play an important role in the development of many inflammatory diseases and auto-immuneespecially inflammatory bowel disease, including crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Those are inflammatory diseases serious chronicles of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting millions of people around the world.
Moreover, genetic susceptibility, inconsistent immune response to disrupted gut microbiota, and environmental factors have been shown to contribute to their occurrence. It is then easy to understand that food plays a central role, especially in Western countries.
You should know that in general, a Western diet is characterized by high intakes of food additives, fats, red meats and sugar, and a low intake of fiber, triggering chronic intestinal inflammation. Food additives such as emulsifiers, stabilizers and synthetic colors are widely used to improve the texture, keeping quality and aesthetics of processed foods.
Several 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, modify the intestinal microbiota. They increase intestinal permeability and decrease the thickness of the barrier composed of mucous membrane, thus promoting inflammation.
In this context, a team of researchers from McMaster University (Canada) found that continuous exposure to Allura AC red (E129) harms intestinal health and promotes inflammation, by directly disrupting the function of this barrier.
Overused synthetic food coloring
The use of synthetic food colorings has increased dramatically over the past few decades, but there have been few studies on their effects on gut and overall health.
Indeed, 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 intended for children (eg breakfast cereals, beverages and confectionery).
Additionally, previous studies have demonstrated that this dye exerts pro-inflammatory properties in the liver and kidneys of the rats studied. A dose of 10 mg/kg body weight orally administered to mice caused extensive DNA damage in their colon. Although it is very common in our diet, researchers do not yet fully understand how it influences intestinal 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 gut barrier function and increases the production of serotonin, a hormone (neurotransmitter) present in the gut, which subsequently alters the composition of the gut microbiota, leading to increased sensitivity.
Waliul Khan, lead author of the study, a professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and a senior researcher at the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, explains in a communiqué : « This study demonstrates the significant adverse effects of allura red on gut health and identifies gut serotonin as a critical factor mediating these effects. These findings have important implication in the prevention and management of intestinal inflammation. ».
Despite the fact that intermittent exposure in mice (similar to typical human exposure) for 12 weeks does not influence susceptibility to colitis, exposure in early life makes mice more susceptible to colitis.
W. Khan says: “ What we found is striking and alarming, as this common synthetic food coloring is a potential dietary trigger for inflammatory bowel disease. This research is a significant step forward in alerting the public to the potential harms of the food colorings we consume daily. “. He adds : ” Literature suggests that the 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 inflammatory bowel disease. However, the definition of the share of environmental risk factors in this area remains quite weak.
This finding of a potential link between this commonly used food coloring and inflammatory bowel disease alone warrants further and more in-depth studies in the food coloring field.
