red dye 40 bad for your health

Question

This article suggests that red dye 40 is bad for your health because it can affect behavior, cause hives, sneezing, irritation, watery eyes, and migraines. Research also suggests that red dye 40 can cause ADHD and hyperactivity, and when it is cut out of diets those symptoms go away. There is still research that needs to be done to fully support this claim, but is safe to assume that is true because of the symptoms it causes.

Answer 1

This is a true claim. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest article about Red Dye 40, An FDA committee acknowledged that there were problems with this dye. Although there were multiple tests done (the key mouse tests), the results were flawed and inconclusive.

https://www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/synthetic-food-dyes-rainbow-risks

Comments

One of the article's primary sources is the FDA website, which states facts about Red 40 and its effects on the body. Nowhere does it state that it is harmful, although tests are decently inconclusive.

Answer 2

This claim is misleading. A medically and peer reviewed article from healthline points out that Red Dye 40 is safe to consume. It is pointed out that the Environmental Protection Agency define Red Dye 40 to be of low concern. Also that it is FDA approved and has passed FDA certification. Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization agreed that dietary exposure to Red Dye 40 is not a health concern. Given the amount of credible organizations that say it is not a high concern to peoples health and is approved for consumption, more research needs to be done to support the claim that it is bad for your health. The lack of research to support that it is overall bad for your health and the credible sources that say it does not have a high harm to a persons health makes this a misleading or exaggerated claim.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-dye-40

Comments

I agree with this; it feels like a far-fetched title to attract attention. As you mentioned, it's clearly observable, the lack of research present.

Answer 3

The discussion surrounding the health effects of Red Dye 40 has some merit but needs more explanation and context. Research shows that Red Dye 40, which is an artificial food coloring, can cause allergic reactions like hives, sneezing, and irritation in certain individuals. "Red 40, a common food dye, can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Symptoms may include hives, itchy skin, nasal congestion, and rarely, anaphylaxis"(Wyndly, 2024).

https://www.wyndly.com/blogs/learn/red-40-allergy#:~:text=Yes%2C%20Red%2040%2C%20a%20common,Red%2040%20without%20any%20issues.

Adding to this, some studies have hinted at a possible connection between artificial dyes, including Red Dye 40, and behavior changes in children, especially those already diagnosed with ADHD. However, these findings are not consistently supported, and the FDA says Red Dye 40 safe for consumption with limits. While there are reports and small studies suggesting that eliminating Red Dye 40 from diets might help alleviate symptoms for some, there is no conclusive evidence establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship. "Despite widespread concerns, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the notion that red dye causes autism"(Mark Elias, 2024).The claim brings up valid concerns that need more investigation, but the current scientific consensus does not entirely back it.

https://www.discoveryaba.com/aba-therapy/does-red-cause-autism