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Is food coloring bad for babies


Is Artificial Food Coloring Safe For Kids? Here's What You Should Know.

Are food dyes harmful to kids? Does artificial coloring make kids hyperactive? Here are the facts you need to know!

Has your kid ever had a blue-stained tongue from a lollipop or pink frosting-smeared lips? And have you ever felt a twinge of worry, wondering whether those bright, colorful dyes are harmless or harmful–especially after reading something scary about dyes online?

I used to feel that way too. Food dyes have long been controversial, and there’s still some debate, confusion, and misinformation around them. So I dug into the research to get the answers we all need.

What is artificial food coloring?

There are two kinds of colors added to foods and drinks:

  1. Synthetic food dyes are man-made colors, and they’ve been around in the food supply for more than 150 years. Nine synthetic dyes are approved to use in food by the FDA, but Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are the ones you’ll see on labels the most.
  2. Natural food colors are mostly derived from plants including vegetables and fruit, such as beet juice (red or pink) and turmeric (yellow).

How do you know whether a product contains dyes?

Check the ingredient list. All synthetic food dyes MUST be listed by name with color plus a number (such as “Red 3” or “Blue 2”). If the product contains natural colors, the list may say things like “paprika extract (color)”. Here’s the tricky but important part: If you only see “artificial colors” or “color added” on the ingredient list, that actually means it contains natural color–and in this case, “artificial” simply means color was added that wasn’t there originally.

Which foods have artificial food coloring?

Foods that are unnaturally colorful (think candy and vividly colored drinks) often contain synthetic dyes. But synthetic dyes can also be in some surprising places, like frozen waffles, pickles, salad dressing, vanilla cake frosting, and white marshmallows.

In the U.S., we take in more than five times the amount of synthetic food dye as we did in the 1950s. And kids consume a lot more food dyes than adults do. That makes sense, since so many “kid foods” are often made with dyes, like brightly colored cereal and fruit drinks. The dyed foods and drinks that kids consume the most, according to researchers, are:

  • Fruit-flavored drinks
  • Ice cream & ice pops
  • Fruit leathers/gummy fruit snacks
  • Soda
  • Frosting & baking decorations (like sprinkles)
  • Cereal
  • Yogurt

What about food dyes in medicine?

Even if you don’t buy foods with dyes, your child’s medicine may contain them. Dyes are typically added to make flavored medicines seem like the appropriate color (like a grape-flavored medicine that’s purple).

In a study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, researchers measured the levels of food dyes in children’s supplements and medicines. They found that vitamins and tablets weren’t a significant source for dyes for kids. But pain reliever syrups and cough/cold/allergy syrups were–in some cases, at levels above the FDA’s “Acceptable Intake”.

In fact, they found that intake of Red No. 40 could be twice the Acceptable Intake for some pain relievers and three times the Acceptable Intake for some cough/cold/allergy syrups. So if you want to avoid dyes, read medicine labels, look for dye-free options for over-the-counter meds, and ask your pharmacist about prescription medicines.

Are food dyes really made from petroleum?!

Yes, but it’s not the same as ingesting crude oil–which is a common scare tactic you’ll see out there. It’s a lot more complicated than that. Petroleum is a rich source of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, so those molecules are extracted from petroleum, purified, and turned into powders or liquids to use in foods and drinks. It sounds like a crazy process, but other products you probably use regularly–like some vitamins, gum, and medicines–are made with these same molecules from petroleum.

Scroll down to see the answer!

Is artificial food coloring harmful?

The FDA says says that food dyes–like all the food additives they’ve approved–are safe. But the FDA does have a few cautions:

  • Yellow 5 can cause itching and hives for some people.
  • Carmine/cochineal extract, a red color made from insects, can cause an allergic reaction for some people. So this color, even though it’s a “natural” color, will always be specifically named in ingredient lists.
  • Synthetic dyes may affect some children’s behavior. The FDA says that while the evidence shows most kids have no adverse effects, some children may be sensitive to them.

The consumer advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) also claims that Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 (two of the most commonly used food dyes) may be contaminated with benzidine, a compound that’s linked to cancer. Though the FDA tests for benzidine, CSPI says the established safe limits aren’t appropriate for kids, who take in more dyes and have smaller bodies.

Do artificial food dyes make kids hyperactive?

For decades, researchers have been studying synthetic food dyes and children’s behavior. In the 1970s, pediatric allergist Ben Feingold developed an elimination diet for behavior and attention issues in kids that nixed dyes (plus other food additives like artificial sweeteners and certain preservatives) that some parents still use today.

Since then, some studies like these have shown possible links between dyes and behavior:

  • An analysis of studies in 2012 concluded that about eight percent of kids with ADHD have symptoms that are caused or worsened by dyes. Eight percent of all diagnosed kids in the U.S. works out to nearly a half million that could be affected by dyes.
  • A 2007 UK study found that a portion of young children (including those without an ADHD diagnosis) showed inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity within as little as one hour after drinking a dyed beverage. (This study was criticized by some because the drink also contained a preservative, which may have impacted kids too.)
  • A new report from the California EPA concluded that synthetic food dyes can lead to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems like inattentiveness and restlessness in some children–and that children seem to vary in their sensitivity to food dyes.

Why are some kids sensitive to food dyes (and others aren’t)?

Nobody knows for sure, but researchers have come up with some theories:

  • Dyes might cause the release of histamine from cells, which can impact the brain.
  • Dyes might “leak” out of the gut and into the body (the general concept of a “leaky gut” is controversial).
  • Dyed foods tend to be more highly-processed, and kids might be reacting to an overall less nutritious, ultra-processed diet.

How much dye is too much for kids?

Researchers say children in studies reacted the most to 50mg or more dye (though some kids did react to less). Here are amounts per serving in some common drinks (source: Amounts of artificial food colors in commonly consumed beverages and potential behavioral implications for consumption in children):

  • Country Time Pink Lemonade: 0.2 mg
  • Gatorade Lemon Lime: 3.4
  • Hawaiian Punch Green: 19 mg
  • Powerade Orange: 22.1 mg
  • Orange Crush: 33.6 mg
  • Sunny D Orange Strawberry: 41.9 mg

Here are amounts per serving in some common foods (source: Amounts of artificial food dyes and added sugars in foods and sweets commonly consumed by children):

  • Strawberry NutriGrain Bar: 2.5 mg
  • Fruit Gushers (1 pouch): 3.7 mg
  • Red Fla-vor-Ice ice pop: 3.8 mg
  • Coldstone Creamery Mint Ice Cream (1 scoop): 6.0 mg
  • Duncan Hines Red Velvet Cake Mix: 9.5 mg
  • Frosted Cherry PopTart: 10.1 mg
  • Jell-O Orange: 12.2 mg
  • Cheese & Peanut Butter Crackers (8 crackers): 14.4 mg
  • Fruit Loops: 14.6 mg
  • Fruity Pebbles: 19 mg
  • Red slushie (small): 22. 4 mg
  • Strawberry Wafer Cookies (3): 24.2 mg
  • Skittles (1 package): 33.3 mg
  • Trix: 36.4 mg
  • Cap’n Crunch Oops All Berries: 41.3 mg
Special thanks to Center for Science in the Public Interest for sending me the European M&Ms used in these photos

Aren’t these dyes banned in the EU?

No, but there are warning labels on products. The Food Standards Agency (the EU’s version of the FDA) started requiring warning labels in 2010 for any products with dyes. The warning label states: “‘May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. A lot of companies switched to using natural colors (like beet juice and annatto) to avoid the warning labels.

In 2011, the FDA voted on whether to require those same warning labels in the U.S., but decided there wasn’t enough evidence (the vote was 8-6 against labels–by no means unanimous). The committee said that more research needs to be done on whether food dyes are safe for kids. A California state senator recently introduced a bill requiring warning labels on dyed foods and drinks in California.

Why don’t all companies use natural colors?

Synthetic dyes are less expensive, easier to use, and give a more consistent color. Since natural colors come from plants, they have wider variation, and the colors tend to be less vivid and more subtle.

Should you avoid artificial food dyes?

Some parents choose to avoid additives like synthetic food dyes and artificial sweeteners, and that’s a valid choice. Dyes don’t serve any purpose in food except color–and more companies are changing over to plant-based colors because of consumer demand. So it’s easier than ever to find naturally colored versions of things like fruit-flavored yogurt.

If you’re wondering whether dyes affect your child’s behavior, eliminate them and see if you notice any difference. I’ve talked to parents who have noticed a change after avoiding dyes and others who haven’t.

Here’s what I do

Personally, I don’t tend to buy products that contain dyes since there are so many naturally-colored alternatives. But I don’t stress out about birthday cake at a party or an occasional ice cream cone either. If I thought my kids were sensitive to dyes, I would do things differently.

Should kids with ADHD avoid food dyes?

Some kids with ADHD might benefit from a dye-free diet. Others may not experience a difference. Read more about this: Is There a Diet for ADHD That Actually Works?

I made these cupcakes with a natural food color, and they turned out great!

How can you find products without artificial food coloring?

Check out my roundup of naturally-colored food products.

Can I make my own natural food coloring?

Yes! Here are 3 Ways to Make Naturally Colored Frosting. And here’s a recipe for Naturally Colored Pink Berry Frosting.

9 things parents need to know about food dyes

Here’s what you need to know about artificial food colouring, its impact on health and how to spot it in your food.

Photo: iStock

Colourful food is appetizing; the brighter it is, the louder it shouts “Eat me!” But not all food colours are friendly—here’s what you should know about artificial food dyes: where they hide, how they affect your kids‘ (and your own) health and how to limit them.

1. Food dyes are for looks only.
Artificial food colours (AFCs) do not enhance the nutritional value of food and drinks. They are often added to foods that are artificially flavoured to appear the colour you would expect from a natural flavour (such as the vivid orange colour of an orange-flavoured drink), to intensify the colour of natural foods, and even to make foods look more natural (for instance, adding yellow to baked goods to make them look like they contain eggs).

Read more: Lunch box makeover: Eat this, not that>

2. Food dyes come from an unexpected source.
Many people don’t know that AFCs are often derived from petroleum by-products or coal tar.

3. They hide in many foods kids love.
A 2013 study from researchers at Purdue University, in Indiana, found that one of the main ways kids are exposed to AFCs in their diet is through drinks—fruit juices and punches, soft drinks, sports and energy drinks—mainly because kids consume larger volumes of beverages compared to other foods with AFCs. Researchers at Purdue also found the most dramatic increase in the use of food dye throughout the years is in high-sugar breakfast cereals and candy. Other common places AFCs hide include: boxed dinner mixes, ice cream, snack foods, cakes, icings, cookies, pudding, candy and Popsicles.

4. Food dyes can be in the non-foods your kids consume, too.
Many children’s medications (both over-the-counter and prescription), vitamins, toothpastes and mouthwashes also contain AFCs. Some brands now offer dye-free options.

5. Artificial colouring is often found in “healthy” foods.
Surprise! Your morning yogurt may contain AFCs, according to Purdue researchers. Same goes for certain cereal bars and baked goods. Muffins and cookies may have added AFCs to make them yellow to suggest the presence of eggs or brown to make them appear more wholesome. Cereals and baking mixes with fruit—a blueberry muffin mix, for example—may contain food dye to make the fruit bits appear more vibrant. (See below for a complete—often surprising!—list of some foods that commonly contain AFCs.)

Read more: Antibiotic resistance: What parents need to know>

6. They aren’t always obvious on food labels.
Health Canada has proposed more transparent labelling for allergens including AFCs in foods, which currently can appear on ingredient lists by their proper name (caramel), a colour and number (Red#40) or simply with the non-specific “colour.” Working ahead of the curve, the European Union ruled in 2010 to not only call out specific AFCs on food labels, but also to include the warning “May have adverse effect on activity and attention in children. ” This has seen the number of products containing AFCs as well as consumption of them decrease in the EU.

7. Artificial food dyes may be linked to behavioural issues in some kids.
There is some research to suggest that AFCs might have an impact on the behaviour of a small group of kids with hyperactivity or a diagnosis of ADHD. While some research has shown that AFCs may also increase hyperactivity in kids without ADHD, the same conclusions can not necessarily be extended to all children (those studies observed kids after drinking a beverage with both AFCs as well as a preservative). Allergic reactions, irritability and sleep disturbances have also been reported in some kids. While the research on the relationship between AFCs and behaviour in kids continues, the AFCs you’ll find in food today are considered safe for the general population by both Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

8. It’s getting easier to avoid AFCs.
Some food companies have responded to public pressure by creating naturally dyed options—you’ll find snack crackers and macaroni-and-cheese mixes coloured with vegetable extracts, and candy imbued with real fruit and vegetable dyes, for example.

Read more: Myths and facts about mosquito bites>

9. There may be other good reasons to avoid foods with artificial dyes.
Avoiding foods that commonly contain AFCs generally means eating less processed, high-in-sugar foods, so limiting those is already a good idea. Same goes for beverages like fruit and sport drinks—they’re often high in AFCs and sugars and should be curbed in favour of water. A caution to parents who may wish to follow a more natural, dye-free diet or simply decrease the amount of AFCs their kids are exposed to: food dyes are so prevalent in the foods kids eat and drink, it’s best to discuss with your child’s doctor or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to their diet.

Common foods children consume that may contain AFCs
Beverages
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Cakes
Candies
Cookies
Cracker-and-cheese snacks
Cupcakes
Doughnuts
Gelatin mixes
Icings
Popsicles
Ready-to-eat cereals
Slushies

“Healthy” and other surprising foods that may contain AFCs
Baked goods
BBQ sauce and other sauces
Blueberry muffin mixes
Bread
Cake mixes
Cereal bars
Cheese
Cherry pie filling
Chicken-coating mixes
Children’s medications
Healthier-appearing whole-grain cereals with fruit
Horseradish
Ice cream
Ice cream cones
Imitation-chocolate sprinkles
Marmalade
Microwave popcorn
Mouthwashes
Mustard
Pasta mixes
Pickles
Potato-dish mixes
Rice mixes
Salad dressings
Toothpastes
Vitamins
Yogurt granola bars
Yogurts

Joelene Huber is a pediatrician and assistant professor of paediatrics at the University of Toronto and works at the Hospital for Sick Children, specializing in development and autism spectrum disorders. She is a regular on television news programs and mom to two small children. Follow her on Twitter at @DrJoeleneHuber.

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Effect of food colorings on the body – Miltex

The appearance of products is one of the most important criteria for our selection. That is why manufacturers make a lot of efforts to ensure the most attractive appearance of products, often to the detriment of their benefits and safety for the human body.

Dyes are responsible for giving the products the desired color. In our time, when healthy nutrition is actively promoted, many have become afraid of dyes that are actively used in cooking, in the production of various dairy products, ice cream, desserts, sauces and other popular products. But are all dyes dangerous to our health? You will find the answer to this question in our article.

What types of dyes are used in the food industry

There are two types of food coloring: synthetic and natural.

Synthetic Colors is an artificial organic compound. Simply put, such compounds of substances are not found anywhere in nature. They are produced mainly in the form of granules or powders and dissolve in water.

At the same time, unlike any natural substances, these are biologically inactive compounds, they do not contain vitamins and have no taste.

Despite the fact that they do not bring benefits to the human body (and some of them are even recognized as dangerous), their use is very beneficial for the manufacturers themselves. They are easier to store and use, less expensive than natural dyes, and can give products brighter, more attractive colors.

Such dyes can be used both individually and in various combinations to obtain the desired shade.

Natural food colors are produced exclusively from natural ingredients. For their manufacture, juices, decoctions, pomace and tinctures from fruits, seeds and leaves of plants are used. Many natural food colorings have biological activity, and also contain a number of useful substances that help increase the nutritional value of the product.

Such dyes are also quite widely used in the food industry. However, they have a number of features: these substances are exposed to temperatures and air, which can lead to their deterioration. It follows that manufacturers should be careful about compliance with their storage conditions.

To date, the palette of available colors obtained using natural dyes is very wide. And this means that the product can be painted in almost any desired color with absolutely no harm to the human body.

Effect of dyes on the human body

In the global food industry, dyes are designated by the letter E and a numerical index, namely from E100 to E199.

As noted above, synthetic dyes are of no benefit to humans. However, the biggest problem with using such dyes is that they can be dangerous for us.

What are the dangers of artificial dyes?

  • E102, E104, E107, E105, E106, E110 (shades of yellow)

Studies have shown that such dyes can cause severe allergic reactions, asthma, tumors, and skin diseases.

With the regular use of products that contain such dyes, the risk of developing cancer, allergic reactions and mutations of internal organs increases.

They can cause the development of oncological and skin diseases, as well as cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Such pigments can cause the appearance of neoplasms in the organs of the genitourinary system.

  • E122, E123, E125, E128, E129 (shades of red)

These compounds can cause allergies, cause hyperactivity and a decrease in concentration, and also provoke the development of malignant tumors and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

As for natural dyes, they do not pose any danger to health. In rare cases (with personal intolerance), you should refuse to use them, but in general you should not be afraid of them. On the contrary, they can even be beneficial for our body.

The most popular natural dyes are:

  • Annatto dye, E160b (obtained from the seeds of the annatto plant (Bixa orellana)). It gives the products an orange-red hue, contains special substances that are similar in function and structure to vitamin E.

  • Curcumin, E100 (obtained from turmeric). This dye gives the products a yellow color. This substance has an antioxidant, antitumor and anti-inflammatory effect, prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease, prevents the development of cancer, and improves immunity.

  • Chlorophyll, E140 (obtained from green plants). This substance is used to color foods green. It increases the body's resistance to the development of malignant tumors, and also serves as a deactivator for certain enzymes that can harm the human body.

  • Carotenes, E160a (obtained from carrots, gooseberries, apricots, spinach, mangoes and other plants). It is used when it is necessary to obtain a yellow-orange color. Beta-carotene protects the body from the effects of radiation, is used to prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

  • Beet red, E162 (obtained from beets). Gives food a red color. Studies have revealed the anti-radiation and anti-carcinogenic properties of this substance.

Things to remember

The following dyes can cause the greatest harm to your body:

Very dangerous (may cause cancer)

E123

Dangerous (may cause cancer, allergic reactions)

E102, E110, E120, E124, E127, E129, E155, E180

Carcinogenic

E131, E142, E153

May cause skin conditions

E151, E160

Can cause intestinal upset, cause high blood pressure

E154

No exact data

E104, E122, E141, E171, E173

As you can see, not all dyes carry a potential hazard to human health. Some of them, on the contrary, may be useful. When choosing products in the store, we advise you to carefully study their composition. You don’t need to be afraid of the word “dye” itself, but it’s still worth paying attention to which group it belongs to.




      Dyes harmful to health. Safe food coloring for children's cakes

      Food colorings are artificial or natural additives that are used to give foods certain color characteristics.

      Features of food colors

      According to the European classification, food colors are labeled from E100. Marking ends at E199. Its order is determined by the color of the dye.

      So, yellow colors are marked in the range of E100-E109. Then orange dyes follow. Their marking is E110-E119. Red denote codes E120-E129. Blue dyes mark E130-E139. Green food additives are designated E140-E149. Brown and black colors - E150-E159. Then come E160-E199 - these are already food colorings, which for some reason are not included in the above ranges.

      All such additives are divided into artificial and natural. If dyes are obtained by synthesizing in a laboratory, then they are classified as synthetic, that is, artificial substances. Natural food additives are found in nature. These are dyes of vegetable, mineral or animal origin.

      There are also food colorings that are identical to natural ones. These are special substances that are found in nature, but on an industrial scale they are obtained through synthesis.

      Many people like food to look appetizing. Of course, modern manufacturers actively use this. To give the products a presentable appearance, food coloring is added to them. Natural substances for this are obtained from leaves, flowers, root crops, berries, canning and winemaking waste - films, seeds, peel. At the same time, a dried or fresh herbal product, jam or puree are not natural dyes, but independent ingredients. The concentration of the coloring matter is determined by the climate, location, method of cultivation, as well as the collection of raw materials. Natural raw materials, compared with synthetic dyes, contain fewer pigments.

      To obtain natural food products, physical effects such as freezing, exposure to sunlight, drying, grinding, and pressing are carried out. Alkali fermentation is also used. The raw material can be placed in a vacuum for ultrasonic irradiation. Of course, this will negatively affect the health of the consumer. Modern manufacturers choose a technique that allows you to get the largest amount of stable coloring pigment.

      Flavonoids are the most common in nature. These are vegetable pigments with the widest palette. Among them are anthocyanins. On the packaging they are indicated with a marker E163. Such substances are contained in the fruits of grapes, berries of cherries and currants, in tubers and flowers of potatoes. They give shades of purple, pink, red, blue. They are used for coloring drinks, jams, cheeses, preserves.

      In addition to color shades, these natural pigments successfully retain useful substances. They bring to the products a natural taste and aroma, which is characteristic of vegetable primary sources. However, due to their natural origin, such dyes give less saturated colors, which are less resistant to external influences, unlike synthetic counterparts. From temperature changes, they can discolor, acquire a different shade. Natural dyes, due to their instability to environmental influences, are not used for products whose shelf life and storage life exceeds one year.

      Therefore, modern manufacturers began to use synthetic substances. They are obtained chemically. The brightness of the color of such dyes is stable, and no environmental influences will change this. Temperature fluctuations are not terrible for such substances. Although the same indigo carmine (or E132), created to give a blue pigment, under the influence of light can change its color. Some other food coloring reacts to the quality and hardness of the water, resulting in a lighter color. In live starters, as well as in fermented milk products, synthetic substances lose their color.

      Harmful food dyes

      Most natural dyes are harmless to the human body. But there are exceptions. For example, E103. This dye is obtained from the roots of Alkana dye, which can lead to the development of cancerous diseases. There are exceptions among synthetic dyes. Many of them are unusual for the body. With an increase in permissible standards, harm to health is inevitable. But some synthetic additives are used in the form of vitamins that have a positive effect on the human body.

      More than six thousand different chemical preservatives are currently used worldwide. Often it is in them that the cause of intestinal disorders lies. For example, sodium benzoate, found in sodas, fruit juices, and margarine, often causes severe allergy attacks.

      Sulfur dioxide is often added to dried fruits and molasses to prevent browning of peeled potatoes and apples. There is no significant harm from it. However, this substance destroys vitamin B in the body.

      Carcinogenic dyes deserve special attention. They can provoke hyperactivity, allergies, asthma. Dyes are found in the skins of potatoes and oranges, in butter and popcorn, in hot dogs, marmalade, jelly, canned fruit, and candied cherries. But there is also a whole list of banned dyes that can cause indigestion. At some poultry farms, certain additives are added to the feed for chickens, which color eggs in a certain color.

      Emulsifiers and sweeteners can cause serious behavioral problems, hyperactivity, allergic manifestations. Saccharin increases the risk of bladder cancer. Stabilizers, thickeners and emulsifiers that are added to sour cream, ice cream and mayonnaise have a direct link to skin diseases and neurological disorders.

      Monosodium glutamate deserves special attention. It is added to make the product sweeter. Meanwhile, this food coloring provokes migraines and dizziness, depression and chest pains, as well as mood swings. With the use of products containing such additives, you need to be extremely careful.

      Dyes are either natural (natural) or artificial (synthetic). The first type combines substances that are found in the natural environment. The origin of such dyes can be different:

      • vegetable;
      • animal;
      • mineral.

      Artificial colors are additives obtained synthetically in special laboratories. There is also a class of substances identical to natural. These include additives that are present in nature but are produced for industrial use by chemical synthesis.

      General characteristics

      Food colors are powder or small crystals of different shades. Marked with indices from E100 to E199. The number depends on the color of the substance.

      Shades of dyes according to the marking, from:

      • E100 to E0109 - yellow;
      • E110 to E119 - orange;
      • E120 to E129 - red;
      • E130 to E139 - blue;
      • E140 to E149 - green;
      • E150 to E159 - black and brown;
      • E160 to E199 - others that are not included in the above ranges.

      Natural food colors are extracted from natural raw materials. The material can be berries, leaves, flowers, root crops, peel, seeds, etc. Such additives are less resistant to environmental influences compared to synthetic ones. The latter are obtained by various chemical reactions.

      Purpose and use

      Dyes color food, enhance the color and make it possible to keep it for a longer time. Substances are widely used in the manufacture of confectionery, soft drinks, desserts, meat and fish products, canned fruits and vegetables, sauces, seasonings, etc. Dyes are used not only by the food industry, but also by many other industries - cosmetology, household chemicals, construction, pharmaceuticals etc.

      Health effects

      Most dyes of natural origin are not harmful to health. Many synthetic additives are considered harmless when the maximum allowable doses are observed. Excessive consumption is hazardous to health.

      Use. Natural dyes can be sources of nutrients that have a beneficial effect on the body.

      Harm. The danger is the use of dyes in large quantities. This is especially true of synthetic components that are not characteristic of the body. An overdose threatens with indigestion, allergic reactions, exacerbation of chronic diseases, neurological disorders. Some substances act as carcinogens and provoke the development of cancer. Learn more about food colorings and their impact on health in this section.

      Legislation

      The use of dyes is regulated by special regulations that determine the maximum allowable doses for individual products. Additives are used in almost all countries, including Russia, Ukraine, the USA, the EU.

      In Russia, the use of food coloring is regulated;

      • SanPin 2.3.2.1293-03 dated May 26, 2008;
      • GOST R 52481-2010 "Food dyes. Terms and definitions".

      Learn more about food coloring in the video below.

      It's no secret that food coloring has been used in industry for decades. The vast majority of products on supermarket shelves today contain at least one dye. According to statistics from the American Center for Science in the Public Interest (CenterforScienceinPublicInterest, USA), more than 7 million kilograms of synthetic dyes are used annually by global food manufacturers.


      The topic of the harm of dyes to human health has been actively discussed in the course of various public debates for several years, and most experts are inclined to the idea of ​​a more responsible approach to the use of dyes in the food industry.

      Food colorings and related diseases.

      Many natural dyes used in the food industry were banned as early as the middle of the 20th century. Therefore, most food manufacturers have gradually replaced them with synthetic dyes, which, in turn, pose no less danger to human health. Consider the most common types of dyes.

      * Vivid blue food coloring

      Often used in the preparation of flour products stuffed with berries, yoghurts, cocktails, sweets. Bright blue food coloring can cause chromosomal abnormalities. For this reason, it was officially banned in France, England, Sweden, Finland and Norway

      * Indigo

      Most commonly found in sweets, soft drinks, some alcoholic drinks, and pet food. Contributes to the development of brain tumors. Currently, this dye is only banned in Norway.

      * Red-orange food coloring

      It's hard to believe, but it's not uncommon for sellers of oranges and tangerines to use injections of red-orange dyes to improve the color and appearance of the fruit. Needless to say, what danger such fruits carry for the health of the consumer. Red-orange dyes provoke bladder tumors. For this reason, they have been banned in the United States of America.

      * Emerald green food coloring

      This type of artificial color is banned in most European countries. Most often, emerald green dye is found in the composition of sweets, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, ice cream, and cosmetics. Increases the risk of bladder cancer.

      * Yellow-orange food coloring

      This dye is most often found in baked goods, sweets, sausages, canned food, and cosmetics. It has a number of side effects, including: the risk of thyroid tumors, eczema, chromosomal abnormalities, allergies, asthma.

      Alternative colors

      An alternative to synthetic dyes are dyes from natural products: carrots, celery, spinach, red cabbage, berries, etc. Natural dyes do not have a rich color, are more sensitive to storage conditions and can affect the taste of the product. However, they are not as hazardous to health and are more environmentally friendly in production.

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      You probably guessed that all the colorful products in stores are made using food coloring. Of course, you can also tint a cupcake or candy with plant-based dyes, but in this case, the color will turn out to be faded with a 99.9% probability, and the price of such a delicacy will be several times higher.

      Fortunately, not all food colorings are dangerous. Many of them can be used at home: for example, to make a cake or. And yet among them there are those from which you should keep at a maximum distance. This material contains five dyes that should not be on your menu.

      Red 40 (Allura Red, Food Red 17)

      "Charming Red AC" - that's what this food coloring is called in Russian - not as charming as it wants to seem. American McDonald's has been known to use a mixture of Red 40, corn syrup and red berries to give some dishes a bright red hue. At the same time, the dye contains benzidine - and in every sense an unpleasant compound. Most often, scientists say, Red 40 is hidden in pastries, sweets and drinks. And its potentially safe amount is 7 mg per kilogram of body weight.

      Blue 1 (E133, Brilliant Blue FCF)

      Have you ever noticed blue stains on your legs after buying a new one? Meet Blue 1, also known as Blue Brilliant E133, was the culprit. It enters the body through the largest organ of our body -. And while at first glance the situation seems pretty harmless, just take a shower and wash your jeans, there are some things you should worry about.

      "Unlike other food colors, it crosses the blood-brain barrier," says Live Strong researcher Lisa Y. Lefferts. "This can lead to nerve cell damage, increasing the risk of chromosomal damage, allergic reactions, and even cancer." Candy, desserts, and oral hygiene products are the most popular hiding places for Blue 1. Don't be surprised if you find it in anything other than blue foods, though. A potentially safe dose is 12 mg per kilogram of body weight.

      Yellow 5 (E102, Acid Yellow 23)

      "Colour yellow CI19140" is a food coloring that, according to The Feingold Association, can reduce the number of active sperm in a man's body. But, of course, that's not all. Widely used in manufacturing and medicines, tartrazine (another name for it) can provoke serious allergic reactions and damage the integrity of cells. The main problem is that Yellow 5 deprives the body of zinc, even if you get enough of this element from food. That is why experts suggest that the dye affects children the most, causing them problems with concentration and increased compulsiveness.

      Yellow 6 (E110, Sunset Yellow FCF)

      Another yellow on our list, also known as "Orange Yellow S". Experts from the US Center for Science in the Public Interest have asked the FDA to ban dangerous food coloring, as, according to studies, it can provoke testicular and adrenal tumors. Doctors also suspect that "sunset" may exacerbate asthma symptoms, increase hyperactivity and anxiety (including in children with ADHD). Most often, the dye is found in crackers. A potentially tolerable daily dose is 3.75 mg per kilogram of body weight.

      Sugar color (E150, caramel color)

      Although most of us have very pleasant associations with the word caramel, it is useful to keep in mind that caramel color can be dangerous. According to Lisa Lefferts, the highest levels of it have been found in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beer, and meat that does not require cooking ("only reheat"). “The problem with caramel color is that when produced using the ammonia sulfite process, it ends up containing cancer-causing substances such as 2-methylimidazole and 4-methylimidazole, or 2-MI and 4-MI,” explains Lefferts. The maximum allowable dose of such a dye is 200 mg per kilogram of weight.

      Today in supermarkets you can find a huge variety of products, in which it is quite easy to get confused. Bright packaging, seductive pictures, shiny labels, plus all this is complemented by promotional price tags, and we make a purchase. Stop, first you need to carefully study the packaging, namely the composition of this product. The fewer incomprehensible words in it, the better. For example, GOST condensed milk contains only natural milk and sugar, but the same product, but produced according to TU, has a completely different composition. It contains stabilizers and emulsifiers, as well as various E-labeled substances. Today we will talk about them: a table of harmful food additives should be at hand for everyone to prevent them from being eaten.

      What different food additives are used for

      First of all, you should be alerted to the "E" markings - they indicate food additives that are used throughout the world as preservatives and stabilizers, flavor and aroma enhancers, thickeners and leavening agents. All this is necessary to improve the appearance and nutritional properties of the product, as well as increase its shelf life.

      Why do we need a table of harmful food additives, and are all substances labeled "E" harmful? No, there are neutral, harmful and even dangerous ones, and therefore it is important for each of us to know them and be able to distinguish them. After all, the quality and duration of our lives are highly dependent on what we eat. The more vitamins and minerals in the diet and less "chemistry", the better.

      Natural or artificial

      Despite manufacturer claims, almost all additives are artificial and therefore potentially dangerous. These are synthetic chemicals. Considering that even the safest of them sometimes cause a reaction in especially sensitive people, it is clear that the table of harmful food additives should be known to everyone. However, there is another subtlety here: not all manufacturers warn you that their product contains additives with the "E" index. They often get around with general phrases like "does not contain artificial colors and flavors." Others note the presence of stabilizers and thickeners, but do not indicate which additives were used. In this case, there is only one way out: refuse to buy and choose a more honest manufacturer. This is especially important if the product is imported, because no one can guarantee that it does not contain prohibited products. Perhaps this will allow you to look at the goods in supermarkets in a different way, because, despite the attractive appearance, almost all of them contain preservatives.

      What does the numerical code next to the letter "E" mean

      Below we will consider what the table of harmful food additives includes, but for now let's look at what these mysterious numbers mean. If the code starts with one, then you have a dye. All preservatives start at 2, the number 3 stands for antioxidants - they are used to slow down or prevent spoilage of the product. All 4 are stabilizers, substances that help maintain the consistency of the product in the required form. The number 5 stands for emulsifiers, they work in tandem with stabilizers and preserve the structure of the product. Flavor and aroma enhancers that create the notes and shades we love so much start at 6. Special substances are added to some products to prevent foaming, they are marked with the number 9. If you have a four-digit index in front of you, then this indicates the presence of sweeteners in the composition. The realities of life show that you need to know harmful food additives ("E"). The table will help you identify foods that should not be consumed in time.

      Such different food additives "E"

      This label can hide completely harmless and even useful substances, for example, plant extracts. This is the well-known acetic acid (E260). Relatively safe additives E can be considered baking soda (E500), calcium carbonate or ordinary chalk (E170) and many others.

      However, there are many more harmful substances than useful ones. You are mistaken if you think that these include only artificial additives, natural ones also sin with a negative effect on the body. Moreover, the more often they are used, the stronger and more pronounced their impact will be.

      Useful additives

      Do not immediately return the product to the shelf just because it contains E. You need to look and analyze what substance is hidden behind it. The following table of harmful and beneficial food additives will help you make the right choice. For example, the most common apple contains pectin, ascorbic acid and riboflavin, that is, E300, E440, E101, but it cannot be called harmful.

      The most common health supplements are curcumins, or E100 - these substances help control weight and are actively used in the manufacture of fitness products. E101 is a common vitamin B2, which is famous for the fact that it synthesizes hemoglobin and is involved in metabolism. E160d is lycopene, it helps to strengthen the immune system. E270 is a powerful antioxidant that is widely used in pharmacology. To enrich products with iodine, the additive E916, that is, calcium iodate, is used. We must not forget about E322 lecithin - this supplement supports the immune system and improves blood formation.

      Relatively harmless additives

      Today the topic of our conversation is "Table of food additives "E". Useful and harmful, they are ubiquitous in the most common foods. In this group, we should mention the dyes that are used by the most famous confectionery companies to give attractive appearance to creams and cakes.This is chlorophyrol, or E140, a green dye.Betanin is also known, that is, a red dye.It is extracted from the most ordinary beetroot, the juice of which tints creams perfectly at home.

      This group includes calcium carbonate (E170) and common baking soda. Despite the fact that these substances do not pose a threat to life, in large quantities they can disrupt the acid-base balance in the body. E290 is ordinary carbon dioxide, all carbonated drinks are made with it. Every kitchen should have a table of food additives E. Useful and harmful, they are presented in such a large quantity today that it is very difficult to remember what this or that substance means.

      Supplements to avoid

      Today, the table contains 11 groups of additives, which include dangerous, prohibited, skin-damaging and blood pressure-disturbing substances. Since every person needs to avoid products containing dangerous "E-shki", we will consider each group separately. Do not neglect your health and rely on the manufacturer. Many of them are guided only by momentary profit and do not think about reputation. Moreover, it is much easier to periodically close the production and open it under a different name, releasing products with new labels. That is why you should be aware of harmful "E" food additives. The table will help you navigate and not forget what this or that code means. So let's get started.

      Hazardous additives

      This group includes a lot of dyes, so if you see brightly colored confectionery, think about whether it is worth taking them to your children. Be sure to study harmful food additives "E": the table is updated periodically, so you need to update the printout, which is best kept next to the kitchen table.

      This includes E102, namely tartrazine. It causes asthma attacks and is banned in several countries. E110 - yellow dye, banned in many countries, as it causes an allergic reaction and nausea. E120 - carminic acid (until studies have proven harm, but doctors strongly recommend avoiding it). Red dyes E124, E127 and E129banned in some countries because they are carcinogens. This also includes E155 (brown dye) and E180 (ruby ritol).

      E220 - sulfur dioxide - should be used with caution in people with renal insufficiency. Feel free to postpone products containing E220, E222, E223, E224, E228, E233, E242. E400, E401, E402 are recognized as dangerous.

      Very dangerous

      If the previous group of additives is dangerous or potentially dangerous, then the representatives of this category should be treated more than carefully. The fact is that the table of supplements gives you only code designations, behind which substances are hidden that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. To completely avoid contact with them, you will have to give up most confectionery and seriously reconsider your view of the diet. The simpler the better, so bran biscuits, cereals, and fruits are the safest bet.

      But back to our conversation. The table of the most dangerous additives "E" includes dyes such as E123 (amaranth). It is banned all over the world, as it causes developmental pathologies in the fetus. In addition, this group includes E510, E513E, E527.

      Prohibited substances: table of the most harmful food additives "E"

      It should be noted that in Russia there are very soft rules for manufacturing companies. Only 5 additives are officially banned, although the number is much higher worldwide. This is E952 - cyclamic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts. This is a sugar substitute that has been discontinued because it was found to be a strong carcinogen. E-216 - para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester - is also prohibited in Russia. But it's not all harmful food additives ("E"). The table refers to this group a number of dyes - these are E152, E130, E125, E126, E121, E111.


      Substances that cause skin rashes

      Everyone imagines the effect of carcinogens on the body, so you need to do everything necessary to exclude from the menu products containing the most harmful food additives. The table at hand will help you stop in time and not make an unnecessary purchase. Women should especially think about it, because many conditionally safe supplements cause deterioration of the skin condition. This is E151 (black, shiny BN) - in a number of countries it is generally prohibited. Second on the list is E231 (orthophenylphenol) and E232 (calcium orthophenylphenol). Aspartame, or E951 - a beloved sugar substitute by many - also has a number of side effects and is not recommended for use without special reasons.

      Summing up

      You can use this table every day. A food additive, the harmful effect of which is not fully understood, should be excluded from the diet. This group includes quite a lot of different "E" - these are E124, E122, E141, E150, E171, E173, E247, E471. To optimize your diet and eat as few synthetic additives as possible, study the product packaging before buying. The less in the composition of the various components and incomprehensible terms, the better. Do not purchase unfamiliar products, as well as those on the packaging of which there is no composition, and give preference to well-known manufacturers.


      Avoid bright unnatural colors. They may contain too many dyes and preservatives. Give preference to natural products, cereals, sour-milk, as well as vegetables and fruits. It is this diet that is guaranteed not to contain harmful and dangerous substances. To maintain your health for the longest possible time, try to avoid foods that contain harmful food additives ("E"). A table that includes the main ones will become your reliable assistant.

      Paints and varnishes. Oh, isn't it harmful?

      It's no secret that one of the most common and popular types of solving the problem of decorating walls and floors in a house is painting. It's really, practical, convenient, profitable, economical, and the appearance of such painted walls and floors looks pretty good . In a word, it is an excellent solution for repairs, but what about the effect of such painted surfaces on our health? Is it harmful to paint the walls in the bedroom, nursery and living room? Today, we will talk about paints, and whether such an option is safe for you and me ...

      Residents of cities (large and small) are familiar with the problem of air pollution. And, from the fact that out of those twenty-six kilograms of clean air (or twelve thousand liters) that we need per day, we inhale only a fourth of it, and the rest is toxic fumes of chemicals that surround us, dust and microparticles of dirt, we often complain of chronic fatigue, nervousness and depression. In a special risk zone and lack of clean air are, of course, those who live near highways and industrial zones (we already mentioned this on our website, in the article on how to make the air cleaner). And, where does the paint and repair, someone might ask. It turns out that there is a connection between all this. The peculiarity and even the uniqueness of the air on city streets lies in the fact that under the influence of atmospheric influences it is still purified. The wind blew, the temperature dropped and clouds of car exhaust fumes dissipated over the city. Another thing is our house with you. Our home atmosphere, our composition of "home" air is stable (unless, of course, you clean it with air filters and place plants on every square meter - see the article indoor plants that purify the air). And, it includes just the same all those toxic fumes from those materials that we preferred when we made repairs. That is why scientists say that0003

      the average citizen still spends ninety percent of his time not on the street, but indoors, where the air is ten times more toxic and harmful than in the open air…

      What makes our home air so poisonous? Primarily synthetic finishing materials and petrochemical derivatives - synthetic wall paints - alkyd, acrylic, nitro, polyurethane ... In a word, everything that we were going to talk about today. Also, our air in the house is poisoned by chipboard furniture, stretch ceilings, vinyl wallpaper, linoleum, plastic products (windows, appliances, furniture) ... Literally everything that surrounds us is a danger to our health!
      Why are synthetic paints so dangerous, you ask? A, due to the fact that such materials emit harmful organic and carcinogenic compounds:

      • Formaldehyde (included in the list of the most dangerous carcinogens, highly toxic, affects the reproductive organs, skin, eyes, respiratory tract, central nervous system, can cause genetic abnormalities),
      • Xylene (causes skin diseases),
      • Phenol (a toxic substance that evaporates at room temperature and has a pungent odor, in the form of dust or phenolic vapors enters the human body through mucous surfaces, respiratory tract and skin, can cause dizziness, headache, loss of strength, decreased immunity, allergies) ,
      • Toluene (causes eye disease and affects the central nervous system),

      And this is not the whole list of pleasant surprises of paints and varnishes…
      All these toxic substances enter our body through the lungs, are transported into the blood and can cause fatal and incurable diseases. Someone may say that only freshly painted surfaces are dangerous, but this is far from the case. Intensive evaporation, of course, is observed immediately after the staining process, but they do not stop with time, they just become weaker, but no less toxic. Ah, now imagine that your room, where ninety percent of the surfaces are painted with paints and varnishes, is more like a gas chamber, which slowly but surely kills all living things that are in it.

      So, is it really worth forgetting about paints now? Such a radical solution is useless if you can find the so-called eco paints in your city building stores. , which are made from natural materials. And, how can this be, you ask? In our progressive age, anything is possible.

      What is the difference between such eco paints and synthetic paints and varnishes…

      . If, in synthetic versions (alkyd, acrylic), oil is used as the main raw material (although it is a natural product, it is very difficult to subject it to simple chemical reactions, therefore, it is necessary to resort to ozone and chlorine in the manufacturing technology of such “harmful” paints, this poisons the source material for the paint), then, in natural eco paints, you will not find oil in the composition of oil (this also applies to oil derivatives). Only natural ingredients - eucalyptus, orange, linseed, rosemary, lavender oils, casein (a product obtained from cottage cheese), vegetable resins, clay, natural dyes. Here is such a composition of paint that is absolutely harmless to human health. Naturally, such environmental friendliness and naturalness is an order of magnitude higher than an ordinary synthetic poison in an iron can, but, after all, health is more expensive!

      Another difference between such eco paints is the fact that manufacturers of such paints are not afraid to indicate the full composition of their product , in contrast to the manufacturers of synthetic products, which, apart from "wall paint", do not write anything else on the label. And, do not be afraid because they are absolutely sure that their product does not pose a threat to human health.

      The fact that is such a "correct" paint does not emit any! toxic!!! vapor into the air - science has already proven this. In addition, another indisputable advantage of such a natural paint material is the fact that does not create the effect of a “polymer film” during the painting process, which does not allow the surface to “breathe”. Such paint lasts longer than its synthetic counterparts, does not peel off and does not wipe off.

      But, unfortunately, not many of us pay attention to such trifles as wall paint. They buy the first can of paint that comes across and suits the color scheme and cost and proceeds to repair. After a few days, your house shines with cleanliness and ... exudes toxic fumes. And, after a few weeks, you suddenly start to get sick. And, few of us will build a chain: synthetic paint-repair-disease… A, meanwhile, experts say that every year the number of cases when the cause of the disease, poisoning, allergies are exactly paints and varnishes is increasing.
      Here are some more interesting facts about paints...

      • polyvinyl chloride is a component of many paints and varnishes, it is especially dangerous at room temperature, when it begins to decompose, and at elevated room temperatures and when the sun's rays hit the painted surfaces. Vapors of PVC enter the human body, both through the lungs and through the skin, are absorbed into the bloodstream and into the liver. As a result, if you have a strong and healthy body, you may suddenly develop an allergy, and if you are not proud of your good health, everything can end much worse - damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver.
      • According to experts, more than half of the products on the paint market are dangerous to human health. Therefore, do not be lazy to carefully read the composition of the paint on the label and give preference to proven manufacturers. The ideal solution to the issue of painting is, of course, choosing eco-friendly paints.

      We all strive to create coziness and comfort in our home, but remember that you will really feel cozy and comfortable in your home only when you are healthy and you are surrounded by materials that do not pose a threat to of your life.

      Shevtsova Olga, World Without Harm.

      Table of prohibited and harmful food additives.

      List of harmful food additives E. ..


      Designations of food additives with the letter E appeared on all food packages in Russia after 1996.
      The inscription on the package "E124 is a safe food additive approved by ES standards" does not guarantee the safety of the additive! Firstly, this does not mean that this supplement can be consumed in any quantity.

      Secondly, not everything allowed in Europe is allowed in Russia.

      The results of new scientific research lead to the creation of some and the restriction of the consumption of other supplements, even if they were previously considered safe.

      E 100 - 199 - dyes
      Products with red and yellow dyes, such as tartrazine E102, often cause food allergies. This dye is used in sweets, ice cream, confectionery, drinks.

      E127 has a toxic effect, provoking thyroid diseases.

      E 200 - 299 - preservatives
      The infamous sodium nitrites and nitrates are E250 and E251. They are still used everywhere, despite the fact that they cause a variety of allergic and inflammatory reactions, headache, hepatic colic, irritability and fatigue.

      Substances marked E231 and E232 are harmful to the skin. These additives are used in the production of various sausages, meat products with a long shelf life and canned food.

      Dyes and preservatives have a bad effect on the immune system, disrupt the natural intestinal microflora. And functional disorders of the intestine sometimes lead to oncological and cardiovascular pathologies. Metabolism and liver suffer. On February 22, 2005, the use of additives with the index E216 and E217 was banned in Russia in order to prevent the threat of the emergence of mass non-communicable diseases (poisoning) of the population. Scientists speak more harshly - these substances can provoke the occurrence of malignant tumors. Previously, these additives were used in the production of meat and confectionery products.

      E 300 - 399 - antioxidants
      Antioxidants (also called antioxidants) slow down the oxidative process in fat and oil emulsions. Fats thus do not rancid and do not change their color over time.

      E311 may cause allergies and asthma attacks. An asthma attack can also be provoked by additives E320 and E321 (included in some fatty foods and chewing gums). E320 retains water in the body and increases cholesterol levels.

      E 400 - 499 - thickeners, stabilizers
      Thickeners and stabilizers increase viscosity. They are almost always added to low-fat products - mayonnaise and yogurt. Thick consistency creates the illusion of a "quality product". Can provoke diseases of the digestive system.

      E 500 - 599 - Emulsifiers
      Emulsifiers create a homogeneous mixture of immiscible products such as water and oil. Negatively affect the liver, cause indigestion. Emulsifiers E510, E513 and E527 are especially dangerous in this respect.

      E 600 - 699 - flavor enhancers
      "Miracle seasoning" allows you to save on natural meat, poultry, fish, mushrooms, seafood. A few crushed fibers of a natural product or even its extract are added to the dish, generously flavored with an amplifier, and a “real” taste is obtained. The additive successfully masks the low quality of the original product, such as old or low-grade meat. There is a flavor enhancer in almost all fish, chicken, mushroom, soy semi-finished products, as well as in chips, crackers, sauces, various dry seasonings, bouillon cubes and dry soups. Not a single recipe in a fast food restaurant can do without flavor enhancers. At the same time, the permissible norms can be exceeded - the maximum dosage of this additive should create the illusion of a “quality product”. Can provoke diseases of the digestive system.

      The most famous flavor enhancer is monosodium glutamate E621. This supplement has been the subject of intense controversy for many years. American neurophysiologist John Olney discovered in the mid-70s of the last century that monosodium glutamate can cause brain damage in rats. And Japanese scientist Hiroshi Oguro recently proved that this dietary supplement has an adverse effect on the retina. 30% of people who frequently eat meals with monosodium glutamate complain of headaches, increased heart rate, muscle weakness, fever and chest tightness. Especially often this additive is used in oriental cuisine, so experts combined the described symptoms with the term “Chinese restaurant syndrome”. Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamate. There is a lot of it, for example, in the root of celery. This amino acid and its salts are involved in the transmission of impulses in the central nervous system, have an exciting effect and are used in psychiatry. In its pure form, this substance has neither taste nor smell, but enhances the taste of any dish. To a person who frequently consumes monosodium glutamate, natural food seems tasteless, because the taste recognition receptors lose their sensitivity. So a person becomes addicted to the "tasty seasoning". In order not to scare away the buyer, manufacturers do not always call the E621 seasoning by its name. It is often referred to as "flavor additive" or "taste enhancer". Sometimes E622, potassium glutamate, which is banned for use in Russia, is also hidden under this wording. Of the 18 known flavor enhancers, 6 are allowed in Russia, but they can hardly be considered useful.

      E 900 - 999 - defoamers, glazing agents, sweeteners, leavening agents.
      These additives prevent or reduce foaming, create a shiny, smooth shell, sweeten the product and make dough fluffier. Defoamers, glazing agents and baking powder do not pose a great danger to the body.

      The most serious complaints are made against the sweetener aspartame.
      It is found in over 6,000 products. At 30 degrees Celsius, aspartame begins to break down into methanol (methyl alcohol) and formaldehyde, which is considered a carcinogen. Chronic use of aspartame often causes headaches, tinnitus, allergies, and depression.
      Another sweetener, cyclamate, has been banned since 1969 in the USA, France, Great Britain and some other countries. It is thought to cause kidney failure. These sweeteners are widely used in the production of soft drinks. They increase appetite and cause thirst.

      E-additives banned in Russia
      E121 - citrus red, dye
      E123 - amaranth red, dye
      E240 - formaldehyde, preservative
      E-additives allowed in Russia, but considered dangerous
      Cause the growth of malignant tumors: E103, E105, E121, E123, E125, E126, E130, E131, E143, E152,
      E210, E211, E213-217, E240, E330, E447.
      Cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: E221-226, E320-322, E338-341, E407, E450, E461-466.
      Allergens: E230, E231, E232, E239, E311-313.
      Cause liver and kidney disease: E171 173, E320-322.

      Why is dye e harmful?

      If you mean dyes as food additives in food products, they are not poisons, of course, but they have no benefit and nutritional value. Manufacturers began to use them in order to embellish their product, to make it more appetizing in appearance. The harmful effects of artificial food colors are not well understood, but it is recommended to choose products without them. There are natural food dyes - beetroot and carrot juice, red berry juice, lemon peel decoction, etc. There will be no harm from these dyes.

      Do not climb here

      E-colors can cause skin itching, asthma, and make children restless
      E-102, tartrazine
      Yellow dye. By its nature, it is coal tar, refers to industrial waste.
      Contained In jellies, jellies, chewy sweets, cream soufflés, jellies, caramels, biscuit rolls, marmalade, ice cream, purees, soups, yoghurts, mustard.
      May cause asthma, migraine, itchy skin and blurred vision. Children from it can become irritable, restless, sleep badly.
      E-104 Quinoline Yellow
      Lemon Yellow Color.
      Found In cake cream, smoked fish, colored dragees, cough drops, "colored" gum.
      May cause pruritus and dermatitis. In children, it causes the same problems as E-102.
      E-110 Sunset Yellow FCF Orange Yellow S
      Orange dye.
      Found in "colored" sweets, drinks, sauces, packaged soups, oriental spices.
      Causes various allergies, worsening of nasal breathing, runny nose, nausea and abdominal pain.

      Learn more