---

The food displayed on counters look attractive and tempting, thanks to food dyes, mostly synthetic. Widely used in packaged foods for visual appeal, it could posed health issues for children who are vulnerable. Clinical trials, animal studies, and regulatory reviews have linked certain artificial dyes to behavioural changes, allergic reactions, and emerging effects involving the gut–brain axis. Natural colourants such as beetroot, turmeric, and paprika extracts offer lower-toxicity alternatives for families seeking dye-free food options.

  Artificial colour additives are commonly incorporated into processed foods and beverages for bright, stable, and uniform colouration. The most frequently used certified dyes include Red (Allura Red), Yellow (Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow), and Blue, Brilliant Blue for colouring . products such as candies, cereals, sports drinks, snack foods, sauces, and frozen desserts.  Despite approval by regulatory agencies, their permitted uses and labelling requirements vary from place to place.

Behavioural outcomes, particularly those related to attention and hyperactivity, have been a major focus of investigation. A systematic health hazard assessment showed that more than half of the 27 paediatric clinical trials reported adverse reactions owing to exposure to sysynthetic dyes. Supporting animal studies reinforce biological plausibility, with proposed mechanisms involving alterations in dopamine signaling, immune activation, and histamine release.

Children consume more dye-containing foods than adults. Developmental immaturity of hepatic detoxification systems and intestinal transport mechanisms may further limit efficient metabolism and elimination of these compounds. Individual variability in cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, phase II conjugation pathways, and histamine metabolism may influence sensitivity to synthetic dyes. Children with autism spectrum disorder may face additional risk due to restrictive eating patterns and micronutrient deficiencies that impair antioxidant defences.

Synthetic dyes have also been associated with allergic and pseudoallergic reactions. Azo dyes such as tartrazine may be metabolised into aromatic amines that act as sensitisers, with reported symptoms including urticaria, itching, and asthma-like reactions, particularly in children.

Emerging research suggests that interactions between synthetic dyes and the gut microbiota could be harmful. Certain dyes can be metabolised by intestinal bacteria into compounds that may disrupt microbial balance, promote inflammation, and influence gut–brain communication.

Regulatory approaches differ across nations and the issue needs to be addressed. 

---

Related Articles

Goodness of water and the importance of staying hydrated!!

What to eat at night to stay fit?

Benefits of Bell Pepper

List of foods for regular use as recommended by Ayurveda

Pomegranate fights prostate cancer

No Biscuits, Cookies, Only “Healthy” Snacks For Meets: Health Ministry