Contents:
- Medical Video: Food Dye Affects Children's Behaviors
- Why are there people who are allergic to food coloring?
- What food coloring agents make allergies?
- 1. Carmine
- 2. Yellow 5
- 3. Annato
Medical Video: Food Dye Affects Children's Behaviors
Food and drinks that have bright and colorful colors make it look very attractive. Candy, cakes, packaging drinks, and snacks sold on the market generally use food coloring to enhance the appearance. But behind that appetizing appearance, food coloring can have an adverse effect on some people. Yes, because there are people who are allergic to food coloring.
Why are there people who are allergic to food coloring?
Almost all food additives are basically safe for consumption. But not everyone can digest all artificial substances in food, including food coloring. Some people can experience intolerance and allergies after consuming certain foods.
Food intolerance means the body cannot break down and digest food properly and ultimately has a bad impact. While allergies are immune system responses that assume that certain substances are dangerous, giving rise to a resistance response.
Quoted from Livestrong, research shows 4 of 9 food coloring causes an allergic reaction. Although sparse, doctors from the University of Michigan have proven that food coloring allergies can be life threatening.
Just like other allergic symptoms, here are symptoms of food coloring allergies that can arise:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Itchy
- Swollen face or lips
- Hard to breathe
- Wheezing
- Dizzy
- Heart rate faster than usual
- Low blood pressure
- Fainted
- Reddish rash
What food coloring agents make allergies?
The following are various food dyes that have been shown to cause allergic reactions, namely:
1. Carmine
Carmine or also called cochineal extract or known as natural red 4 has been used as a food coloring since the 16th century. However, various studies have found evidence that these dyes can make various allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, rash, and wheezing.
In addition to food, carmine is also found in cosmetics. If you experience severe food coloring allergies, it is not impossible to develop life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
Usually, carmine is found in various ingredients such as:
- Sausage
- Candy
- Fruit yogurt
- Bottled drinks
2. Yellow 5
Yellow 5 or also called tartrazine is one of the yellow food coloring agents that can cause allergic reactions in some people. The effects of tartrazine food coloring can cause itching and swelling on the face and can trigger asthma in children.
Food groups that usually use yellow coloring are:
- Candy
- Canned vegetables
- Cheese
- Bottled drinks
- Ice cream
- Tomato sauce
3. Annato
Annato food coloring comes from the seeds of the achiote tree which usually grows in tropical countries. Annato gives an orange yellow color.
Various studies have shown this yellow dye can cause mild skin reactions such as hives and rashes. In addition, some people who are sensitive to food coloring can also cause anaphylactic shock.
Annato is commonly found in various products such as:
- Cereals
- Cheese
- Bottled drinks
- Snacks
Read the packaging label before buying a particular product. Try to limit or avoid products that contain artificial dyes to minimize the risk of negative effects on the body.
