foods containing artificial dyes.

Food Dye 101

We’ve all seen those vibrant, eye-catching colors in our favorite snacks and beverages, but did you know that many of those artificial food colorings are linked to serious health risks? From hormonal disruption to cancer and ADHD, the harmful effects of artificial dyes like RED 40, YELLOW 5, and BLUE 1 & 2 are becoming impossible to ignore. These colorants are commonly found in a wide range of everyday products, including cereals, candies, drinks, cosmetics, and even children’s medications.

 

We’ll dive into the most common artificial dyes, food dye side effects, their health risks, and how to spot them in your food and personal care products. Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your health, and the first step is learning how to read labels carefully. Let’s uncover the truth behind these dangerous dyes and help you make safer choices for yourself and your family.

 

dangers of food dyes

 

RED 40 & RED 3

First up is the big guy, RED 40 or RED 3. It goes by other names, but just remember RED. This one has been specifically labeled as a known carcinogen, linked to infertility and ADHD in kids and is a hormone disruptor. What's alarming is how many products that might be on your shelves it is found in.

 

Here are some:
avoid these products with food dyesCereals: Trix, Fruity Pebbles, Fruity Cheerios to name some.
avoid these products with food dyesCondiments: pickled items, some BBQ sauce, cherry pie fillings
avoid these products with food dyesCANDY: Skittles, M&M's, Jelly Beans, Starburts, among others...
avoid these products with food dyesDrugs: Children's Motrin, Flinstones chewable, many many many kids chewables....
avoid these products with food dyesDrinks: Gatorade, Powerade, Kool-Aid and most recently seen for all my fitness girls...BCAA powders, specifically XTEND. avoid these products with food dyes
avoid these products with food dyesCosmetics: eye shadow, lipstick, nail polish...

 

BLUE 1 & 2

BLUE 1 & 2 also known as Brilliant Blue and Indigo Blue. Sounds like paint colors to me. These 2 dyes have been linked to side effects like gastrointestinal symptoms, ADHD, asthma and allergies. There are MANY skin care products that have these blues in them which we can't ignore because the dyes are now absorbed in through our skin. Here are some products that contain the blues....but the real lesson here is to READ LABELS!

 

avoid these products with food dyesCereals: Apple Jacks, Fruity Pebbles, Trix,
avoid these products with food dyesCondiments: gum
avoid these products with food dyesCANDY: Jelly beans, Starbursts, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Nerds, Gummy Bears...ANYTHING BLUE.
avoid these products with food dyesDrinks: Grape Drinks (Fanta), Hawaiian Punch
avoid these products with food dyesFoods: Pop Tarts
avoid these products with food dyesSkin Care/Cosmetics: there are over 900 cosmetic products that contain this dye. Oh em gee.

 

YELLOW 5 & 6

Lastly, YELLOW 5 and 6, also known as TARTRAZINE which is derived from coal tar is the 2nd most popular food dye. In Europe, there is a warning label on products that contain this and other artificial dyes. C'mon U.S.! This is another one of the most common dyes and is also a known to cause cancer, cause asthma, cause mutations and decreased sperm count in men. Did you know how many foods contain this yellow color? Here are some:

 

avoid these products with food dyesCereals: Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles, Trix, Fruity Cheerios
avoid these products with food dyesCondiments: pickles, honey, mustard, gum
avoid these products with food dyesCANDY: jelly beans, Starbursts, Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Nerds
avoid these products with food dyesDrugs: Children's Motrin,
avoid these products with food dyesDrinks: Mountain Dew, Gatorade avoid these products with food dyes
avoid these products with food dyesFoods: Mac'n Cheese, Eggos, Pudding Snack Packs, Cheese Nips, Doritos

 

Shocking information, huhh?  Again, READ LABELS!  Happy Shopping...DYE FREE!

 

Want to Learn More About Diet & Nutrition for Hormonal Health?
If you’re concerned about the impact of artificial food dyes or want to discuss how to optimize your diet for better hormonal balance, reach out to me today, and let’s start making safer, healthier choices together!

 

[Contact Dr. Erin]