Another food additive implicated in susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease. According to a new study, prolonged exposure to the dye “Red allura AC” might cause colitis.
Food coloring E129, also known as “Allura Red AC”, is suspected of triggering inflammatory bowel disease. According to researchers at McMaster University (Canada), long-term consumption of this dye promotes susceptibility to colitis in mice, via intestinal serotonin. Indeed, red allura AC would increase the production of this neurotransmitter present in the intestine, which would then modify the composition of the microbiota intestinal and would increase the vulnerability to colitis.
L’food additive is a common ingredient in candies, soft drinks, flavored yogurts and cheeses, ice creams, etc. Used to add color and texture to food products, it is still allowed in France while some European countries have banned it.
A dye incriminated in other disorders
Previous studies also suggest that consumption of red allura AC causes certain allergies, immune disorders and behavioral problems in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The new study published in Nature communications now suggests a link between this synthetic food coloring (an environmental factor) and inflammatory bowel disease.
The researchers note that intermittent exposure to the dye in mice for 12 weeks does not influence susceptibility to colitis. ” However, this exposure during early childhood predisposes mice to increased susceptibility to colitis. In addition, chronic consumption induces mild colitis, which is associated with elevated levels of serotonin in the colon and impaired epithelial barrier function. »