Allura Red AC is used to add colour to soft drinks
(Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA)Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, although the exact causes are still not fully understood.
Some studies suggest that the deregulation of the immune system’s responses is to blame, while others point to imbalances in the gut and environmental factors.
However, an alarming new study claims the likely cause is from certain foods.
As per recent animal research at McMaster University in Canada, a well-known food colouring, Allura Red AC, interferes with the function of the intestinal barrier. This affects gut health, promotes inflammation, and perhaps even initiates IBDs such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
What is Allura Red AC?
Allura Red AC is a common food dye found in edible goods. It is used to achieve the colour red and is soluble in water.
It does not exhibit any nutritional value or health attribute and is currently banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Austria
Most food dyes are poorly absorbed in the intestine. Their consumption has previously been associated with adverse health effects and behavioral disorders in children.
What is the food dye found in?
Allura Red AC is used to add colour and texture to sweets, soft drinks, dairy products and cereals, often with the aim of attracting children.
According to the Canadian study, there is a growing body of evidence that diet plays a pivotal role in the development of IBD. A western diet is charactised by high intakes of food additives, fats, red meats, and sugar, and low intake of fibres, which can trigger chronic intestinal inflammation. It is therefore unsurprising that IBD incidence is rising rapidly in developed countries.
Professor Waliul Khan of McMaster University said in a piece published in Nature Communications that the disturbing findings represent a substantial gain for public health.
“This study demonstrates significant harmful 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 gut inflammation.
“What we have found is striking and alarming, as this common synthetic food dye is a possible dietary trigger for IBDs.”
He added that the study warranted further exploration between food dyes and IBDs at experimental, epidemiological and clinical levels.
