Imagine a grand dinner party where the colorful decorations turn out to be troublesome troublemakers. In a similar way, a study using animal models suggests that a common food dye, Allura Red AC, could be triggering inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). The dye causes harm to the gut by disrupting barrier function and increasing the production of serotonin, which then messes with the balance of gut bacteria. This imbalance makes the gut more vulnerable to colitis, an inflammation of the colon. While this study provides important insight, it calls for further investigation on different levels – experimental, epidemiological, and clinical – to better understand the link between food dyes and IBDs. To learn more about this colorful culprit and its potential impact on our gut health, check out the underlying research!

Researchers using experimental animal models of IBD found that continual exposure to Allura Red AC harms gut health and promotes inflammation. The dye directly disrupts gut barrier function and increases the production of serotonin, a hormone/neurotransmitter found in the gut, which subsequently alters gut microbiota composition leading to increased susceptibility to colitis. The study suggests a link between a commonly used food dye and IBDs and warrants further exploration between food dyes and IBDs at experimental, epidemiological and clinical levels.

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