Food Additives, Part II

by Colleen Kaemmerer, Suite101.com

Food colorings in the diet are a concern for many people. There is also disagreement about the effect that food dyes can have.

Artificial food coloring is found in many processed foods and medications. In ingredient lists, some types are specifically listed; others are simply referred to as "artificial color".

One dye, yellow #5, also known as tartrazine, must be specifically listed if it is an ingredient. It is used in many different food products and medications. In susceptible individuals it can cause symptoms such as bronchospasms and hives. Also, some aspirin-intolerant people can have cross-reactions to tartrazine such as asthma attacks, hives, and, rarely, anaphylaxis. Some of this is discussed in an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement entitled, " 'Inactive' Ingredients in Pharmaceutical Products" at http://www.aap.org/policy/re9706.html . The AAP states, in that same pharmaceuticals statement, that the current opinion is that dyes are not a "cause or aggravating factor" in hyperactivity. 

However, many parents have found that food colorings, particularly yellow #5, affects their child's behavior. Parents find that tartrazine can aggravate the symptoms of ADD and ADHD; it can also have a negative effect on the behavior of some food-dye sensitive children who are not hyperactive. Different individuals can be sensitive to varying amounts. Also, some children can react immediately; others have problems 24 hours later. More information can be found at Dr. Doris Rapp's website at http://www.drrapp.com./ She is the author of Is This Your Child? Discovering and Treating Unrecognized Allergies in Children and Adults.

There is an interesting article about a study done by University of Michigan allergist James L. Baldin, M.D. It concerns a food coloring known as cochineal extract or carmine dye. The dye is made from female cochineal bugs; it is sometimes used for red, orange, pink, or purple.Since it comes from a "natural source", it's often not specified in ingredient lists; instead, it is listed as "artificial color" or "color added". People who are allergic to it can have a range of reactions from mild hives to anaphylaxis.

© 1999 Colleen Kaemmerer

Colleen Kaemmerer is contributing editor to Suite101.com's Allergies site, which features articles, links and discussions on living and coping with allergies.  Visit her web site at  http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/allergies