This popular food dye can trigger inflammatory bowel diseases, reveals study

Allura Red AC is a dye that makes food very attractive in colour and texture. Hence it is used mainly in children's products such as sweets, cereals, aerated drinks, and dairy. It has been recently found that it causes the gut barrier to malfunction. This leads to complications such as inflamed bowel and diseases related to that, such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. Researchers from McMaster University, Canada reported that it also leads to an increase in serotonin production in the gut, which messes with the microbiota.

The senior Author, Professor Waliul Khan, announced these findings as a major step in aiding public health. He adds that the results can help the public learn the ill effects of the dye. He states that the dye even triggers allergies in children and behavioural issues like ADHD.

Professor Khan says that Inflammed Bowel Disease (IBD) is a serious chronic condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Although the exact causes haven't been identified yet, genetic factors, dysfunctional gut microbiota, and environmental factors can trigger this condition. How environmental factors play into this is unclear, but researchers are still looking into it. Besides consuming food with this dye, Professor Khan states that highly Westernized diets made majorly from processed fats and meats, high in sugar, and low in fibre also cause it.

FAQ:

1. What is a gut barrier?
   A gut barrier is a multi-layer system composed mainly of a physical barrier system and a deeply functional barrier.
2. What is ADHD?
   Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is a behavioural disorder in children.
3. How can you strengthen gut health?
   Consuming a healthy diet with more fibre and fewer carbohydrates helps.