A dye found in dozens of food favourites has been found to trigger severe bowel diseases, scientists have warned.
Allura red, known as Red 40, is used in several snacks including popular sweets, fizzy drinks and crisps as well as baked goods and cake mix.
Researchers from the McMaster University in Ontario, Canada - published in the journal Nature Communications - found that th additive can hamper the gut's ability to absorb nutrients, water and electrolytes. This in turn increased the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. As part of the study, scientists gave mouse models of Allura Red colours in their meals for 12 weeks.
Results found that the additive increased production of serotonin in the colon, disrupting gut bacteria and promoting cases of colitis.
Despite often being dubbed the "happy hormone" with links to the brain, the gut is actually responsible for producing 95 per cent of the body's serotonin.
Within the gut, the hormone regulates the normal rhythmic movement of muscles to help move contents in the intestines along the way. It is also responsible for the uptake of nutrients, electrolytes and water.
The researchers also screened for several common synthetic colorants in a model of human enterochromaffin (EC) cells.
It affects the colon and the rectum and can cause various issues related to inflammation including abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhoea, dehydration, and blood stools.
While the study was conducted on mice, the results translate to humans, with those within Western countries such as Scotland potentially more at risk. This is because of western diets typically containing a lot of food with colouring.
Following the findings, lead researcher Dr Waliul Khan said: "These findings have important implications in the prevention and management of gut inflammation.
"What we have found is striking and alarming, as this common synthetic food dye is a possible dietary trigger for IBDs."
What is inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term mainly used to describe two conditions:
- ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
Both are long term conditions that in involve inflammation in the gut.
Ulcerative colitis affects the colon (large intestine), while Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the bottom.
People of any age can get IBD, but it's usually diagnosed between the age of 15 and 40.
What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?
According to the NHS, the symptoms of IBD include:
- pain, cramps or swelling in the tummy
- recurring or bloody diarrhoea
- weight loss
- extreme tiredness
People with IBD can experience all or just some of the symptoms listed, with some also experiencing high temperature, vomiting and anaemia.
Symptoms can come and go, with symptoms often becoming more severe during a flare up. People with IBD can also go for log period with no symptoms at all - this is called remission.
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