Are Artificial Food Dyes Harming Your Health?

You’ve probably eaten them today — but do you know what they’re doing to your body?

Artificial food dyes are prevalent in many processed foods, beverages, and even medications. While they enhance the visual appeal of products, growing research indicates potential health risks associated with their consumption.

Health Risks Linked to Artificial Food Dyes

1. Hyperactivity in Children: Studies have shown a correlation between synthetic food dyes and increased hyperactivity in children. A 2007 study in The Lancet found that certain food colorings and preservatives could increase hyperactive behavior in children. Further research by the California Environmental Protection Agency indicated that some children are particularly sensitive to these additives 1,9.

2. Allergic Reactions: Dyes like Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) have been associated with allergic reactions, including hives and asthma symptoms. The FDA acknowledges that while rare, some individuals may experience hypersensitivity to certain food dyes 2. Tartrazine likely also disrupts some endocrine (hormone) function 3.

3. Cancer Concerns: Red Dye No. 3 has been linked to cancer in animal studies, leading the FDA to ban its use in cosmetics in 1990 and more recently in foods and ingested drugs. Other dyes, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, have been found to contain contaminants like benzidine, a known carcinogen 4.

4. Gastrointestinal Issues: Research indicates that certain dyes can cause gastrointestinal distress. For example, Allura Red (Red 40) has been shown to disrupt gut health and promote inflammation, potentially triggering inflammatory bowel diseases 5.

5. DNA Damage: A study published in Toxicology Reports demonstrated that Red 40 could cause DNA damage and colonic inflammation in mice, raising concerns about its long-term effects on human health 6.

6. Immune System Effects: Chronic exposure to synthetic dyes may trigger immune system reactions, increasing the likelihood of allergies and reducing the body’s ability to fend off infections 7.

7. Presence in Medications: Artificial dyes are not limited to food products. They are commonly found in over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as dietary supplements. A study analyzing various medications found that dye levels often exceeded the FDA’s acceptable daily intake, particularly in children’s medications 8.

Taking Action: How to Protect Yourself

  • Read Labels Carefully: Look for ingredients labeled as FD&C followed by a color and number (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40).
  • Contact Manufacturers: Ask brands to remove synthetic dyes and be transparent about their ingredients. Consumer demand drives change.
  • Choose Natural Alternatives: Opt for products using plant-based colorants like beet juice, turmeric, or paprika.
  • Support Regulatory Changes: Advocate for stricter oversight on the use of synthetic dyes in food and personal care products.

Nature’s Complement: Committed to Clean Ingredients

At Nature’s Complement, we prioritize transparency and purity. You’ll never find artificial dyes in any of our personal care products — ever. If a product has color, it’s because of natural, plant-based ingredients, not synthetic additives. We believe your body deserves honesty and care in every drop.

🧪 References

  1. McCann, D., et al. (2007). Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children. The Lancet, 370(9598), 1560–1567.
  2. Wikipedia. Tartrazine. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartrazine
  3. Paramasivam, A., et al. (2024). Additives in Processed Foods as a Potential Source of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Journal of Xenobiotics, 14(4), 1697-1710. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox14040090
  4. Kobylewski, S., & Jacobson, M. F. (2012). Toxicology of food dyes. Int J Occup Environ Health, 18(3), 220–246. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23026007/
  5. News Medical. (2022). Synthetic food dye may trigger IBDs. news-medical.net
  6. Zhang, Q., et al. (2023). Red 40 causes DNA damage and inflammation in mice. Toxicology Reports. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502305/
  7. Hair Analysis Nutrition. (2025). Artificial Food Dyes and Your Health. hairanalysisnutrition.com
  8. Lau, K., et al. (2020). Certified food dyes in medications. Food Chem Toxicol, 142, 111460. https://www.sciencedirect.com/…
  9. California EPA. (2021). Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9052604/

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