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Blue Dye Effects On Children

There is an important principle in science that states “correlation does not equal causation”. Just because your child is exhibiting behavior changes or sleep changes (or both) does not mean that (s)he is reacting to food dyes. However, it is not uncommon for pediatricians to witness a child’s extreme behavior changes, or night terrors and other sleep-time issues, improve or even resolve upon elimination of blue dye from the diet and from the dental care regimen. Why not try it? Change your child’s toothpaste, mouthwash, and fluoride rinse to be dye-free. Avoid all beverages that have food coloring. And read your food labels CAREFULLY: blue dye may be in your condiments, fruit snacks, candies,…

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Featured

 Where Does Blue Food Dye Come From?

We now know that natural red dye comes from bugs, but what's the story behind all the blue food we put into our mouths? Blue No. 1 is called "brilliant blue" and, as is typical of modern dyes, was originally derived from coal tar, although most manufacturers now make it from an oil base. Blue No. 2, or "indigotin," on the other hand, is a synthetic version of the plant-based indigo that has a long history as a textile dye.

Articles of Interest

A Review of the Association of Blue Food Coloring With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children

Of the nine FDA-certified food colors, two are used for artificial blue coloring: Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2. There is limited literature describing the possible role of blue AFC in causing symptoms of ADHD in children.

Blue 1 Dye: Everything You Need to Know About this Food Coloring

Blue 1 and Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine) are different chemically and functionally. Blue 2’s chemical composition is disodium;2-(3-hydroxy-5-sulfonato-1H-indol-2-yl)-3-oxoindole-5-sulfonate. Unlike Blue 1, Blue 2 isn’t made from petroleum. Rather, it’s a synthetic version of plant-based indigo dye.

Blue Foods! Colorful Cooking Without Artificial Dyes

Blue is notoriously scarce in the palette of natural foods. And among foods that are called blue, few of them have a purely blue (not purplish or greenish) pigment. But with the scarcity of naturally blue foods, you have to take what you can get, so forgive me if some of the foods on my list are merely blueish.

FD&C Blue #1

FD&C Blue #1 is not very well absorbed in the small intestine. In animal studies, ~ 95% remains unabsorbed and excreted in the stool. The 5% or so that is absorbed is excreted in the urine or bile. It is absorbed through freshly shaven skin (but not intact skin) and mucous membranes in the mouth, so if someone is sensitive to it, they may want to avoid mouthwash, toothpaste, breath mints, and personal care products that contain Blue #1 People with IBD (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) or other serious illnesses that affect gut permeability may also absorb more of the blue dye than normal.

Feeling Blue? Understanding Artificial Blue Dyes and Their Side Effects

Blue food might sound like something straight out of a whimsical Dr. Seuss book, but artificial blue dyes are very real components of our everyday diets... The two most common blue food dyes used in the United States are Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue No. 1, E133) and Indigotine (FD&C Blue No. 2, E132). These are both synthetic dyes, and they're produced on a large scale using complex chemical processes. Brilliant Blue FCF is produced through a chemical reaction involving aromatic hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, namely benzene or naphthalene, which are diazotized (combined with diazonium salt) and then coupled with H-acid. Indigotine, on the other hand, is synthesized from indoxyl, which is oxidized to produce indigo dye. This dye is then sulfonated to produce the water-soluble blue dye that we commonly find in foods.

How worried should you be about Blue 1? Here's what experts say

There is no such thing as a blue raspberry, but thanks to food dyes, specifically Blue 1, people worldwide enjoy foods flavored by the imaginary fruit.

Indigo Carmine (Blue 2 Dye): Safety, Uses, and Side Effects

Indigo Carmine (Blue 2 Dye) is a dark blue dye used to enhance the color of some foods, beverages, cosmetics, clothing, supplements, and medications. While it may improve the appearance of these and other consumer products and is often cheaper than natural alternatives, Blue 2 Dye has been associated with several health concerns, particularly in animal studies.

Natural Blue Food Coloring and Dye Recipe

When it comes to artificial food dyes, the vibrant colors may attract us at first, but the potential negative health effects and environmental impact give us pause. Fortunately, nature provides us with an array of vibrant colors, including the color blue.

The Artificial Food Dye Blues

Artificial dyes derived from petroleum are found in thousands of foods. In particular breakfast cereals, candy, snacks, beverages, vitamins, and other products aimed at children are colored with dyes. Even some fresh oranges are dipped in dye to brighten them and provide uniform color...

The Effects of Natural and Synthetic Blue Dyes on Human Health: A Review of Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Perspectives

Blue synthetic dyes are widely used in many industries. Although they are approved for use as food dyes and in cosmetics and some medicines, their impacts on consumer health remain unknown. Some studies indicate that 2 synthetic dyes, Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2, may have toxic effects. It has therefore been suggested that these should be replaced with natural dyes; however, despite being nontoxic and arguably healthier than synthetic dyes, these compounds are often unsuitable for use in food or drugs due to their instability.

The Health Dangers of Food Dye Blue No. 2

The CSPI asserts that Blue No. 2 is not safe for human consumption. Since it adds nothing to the nutritive value of food and evidence for its safety is questionable, CSPI recommends it not be used in foods.

The Search for Blue No. 1

Have you ever wondered about the industry behind the color of your food? So much of what we eat is transformed into more vibrant and distinguishable colors and this is especially true for manufactured foods, such as candy, cereal, and jelly. A key benefit of food coloring is that it allows our sight to enhance the flavors we experience while eating food. Many synthetic and natural color additives are in use today to enrich our experiences of food, medicine, and cosmetics. Most of the synthetic dyes have a natural alternative; however, this isn’t the case for Blue No. 1 dye.

What Is Blue 1 Food Dye and what products contain it?

In the vibrant world of food and beverages, color plays a crucial role. It’s not just about aesthetics, but also about consumer perception and product appeal. Blue One food dye, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, has gained widespread use as a colorant. This synthetic dye imparts a striking blue hue to a variety of products. From candies and beverages to dairy products and processed foods, Blue 1 is a common sight on ingredient lists. But what exactly is this additive, and how does it impact your business?

What is Blue 1? What is Blue 2?

Blue 1 and blue 2 are artificial food dyes. Blue 1 is poorly digested so it comes out the other end as green #2. Blue 2 is filtered rapidly by the kidneys and turns urine blue. Yum.

Resources

5 Facts About Food Dye Allergies: Blue Dye and More

Blue 1 and Blue 2 are the two blue dyes approved by the FDA for use in food. Blue 1 is used most often in cereals, juice drinks, sodas, and ice cream. It is made from oil, although it used to be made from coal tar. It can cause allergic reactions. Blue 2 is the synthetic version of an indigo dye. Common foods that contain Blue 2 include: