Synthetic Colors in Food: A Warning for Children's Health.

This study addressed the harmful effects of artificial colors in pediatric populations, including children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as those without behavioral disorders. There is a consensus that synthetic food colorings have several impacts on consumers, especially pediatrics, due to their influence on sensory appeal, which can encourage preference for certain foods. The results revealed that these color additives are directly linked to a series of health problems, with a greater impact on children, including a predisposition to pathological conditions such as carcinogenic, allergenic, mutagenic, cytotoxic, and clastogenic activities, as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, in addition to behavioral changes in children with and without diagnosed disorders. The harms of synthetic dyes in children with or without comorbidities are worrying and require a careful and proactive approach from parents, caregivers and public authorities.

National clinical guideline for assessment and treatment of ADHD in children and young people: quick guide

Professional observers are independent persons who have in-depth knowledge of both children's normal behaviour and development and of ADHD, and who take a multidisciplinary approach to ADHD in their daily work. The observation must be geared to the specific problem with the child in question

Pigmentantes vegetais e sintéticos em dietas de galinhas poedeiras negras / Vegetable and synthetic pigment solutions in the diets of black laying hens

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de galinhas poedeiras Negras Avifran alimentadas com a inclusão de 0,8% de cada extratos vegetais pigmentantes, extrato de páprica (Capsicum annuum), de flor de marigold (Tagetes erectus) e 0,045 % de pigmentante sintético (cantaxantina) na ração. Utilizou-se 120 poedeiras Negras Avifran distribuídas em 4 tratamentos, 6 repetições com 5 aves cada, totalizando 24 parcelas experimentais, criadas em sistema livre de gaiolas. Foram realizadas análises de desempenho, qualidade dos ovos e cor da gema do ovo através de dois métodos de cores (leque colorimétrico e calorímetro digital). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve influência dos aditivos vegetais sobre os parâmetros de desempenho e qualidade dos ovos (P>0,05), apenas para a variável cor da gema houve efeito significativo (P0,05).

The objective was evaluate of the performance and egg quality of laying hens Avifran Black fed with the inclusion of 0.8% of plant extracts pigmentation solutions, extract of paprika (Capsicum annuum), flower marigold (Tagetes erectus) and 0.045% of synthetic pigmentante (canthaxanthin) in the feed. Were used 120 layers Avifran Black distributed in 4 treatments, 6 replicates with 5 birds each, totaling 24 experimental units, in cage-free system. Performance analyses were quality of the eggs and egg yolk color through two methods (fan colorimetric and digital calorimeter). The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test compared to 5% probability. There was no influence of plant additives on the parameters of performance and eggs quality (P>0.05), only for the yolk color there was a significant effect (P0.05).

Pigmentantes vegetais e sintéticos em dietas de galinhas poedeiras negras / Vegetable and synthetic pigment solutions in the diets of black laying hens

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de galinhas poedeiras Negras Avifran alimentadas com a inclusão de 0,8% de cada extratos vegetais pigmentantes, extrato de páprica (Capsicum annuum), de flor de marigold (Tagetes erectus) e 0,045 % de pigmentante sintético (cantaxantina) na ração. Utilizou-se 120 poedeiras Negras Avifran distribuídas em 4 tratamentos, 6 repetições com 5 aves cada, totalizando 24 parcelas experimentais, criadas em sistema livre de gaiolas. Foram realizadas análises de desempenho, qualidade dos ovos e cor da gema do ovo através de dois métodos de cores (leque colorimétrico e calorímetro digital). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve influência dos aditivos vegetais sobre os parâmetros de desempenho e qualidade dos ovos (P>0,05), apenas para a variável cor da gema houve efeito significativo (P<0,05). A inclusão de 0,8% de pigmentantes naturais na dieta de poedeiras Negras Avifran pode ser utilizada como forma de substituir a cantaxantina, pois proporciona maior coloração da gema do ovo, favorecendo sua comercialização, e não prejudica o desempenho e a qualidade interna e externa dos ovos (P>0,05).(AU)

The objective was evaluate of the performance and egg quality of laying hens Avifran Black fed with the inclusion of 0.8% of plant extracts pigmentation solutions, extract of paprika (Capsicum annuum), flower marigold (Tagetes erectus) and 0.045% of synthetic pigmentante (canthaxanthin) in the feed. Were used 120 layers Avifran Black distributed in 4 treatments, 6 replicates with 5 birds each, totaling 24 experimental units, in cage-free system. Performance analyses were quality of the eggs and egg yolk color through two methods (fan colorimetric and digital calorimeter). The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test compared to 5% probability. There was no influence of plant additives on the parameters of performance and eggs quality (P>0.05), only for the yolk color there was a significant effect (P<0.05). The inclusion of 0.8% of natural pigmentation solutions in the diet of laying hens Avifran Black can be used as a way to replace the canthaxanthin as it provides increase color of egg yolk, favoring your marketing, and does not affect the performance and quality internal and external (P>0.05).(AU)

Corantes alimentares presentes em alimentos ultraprocessados consumidos por universitários / Colorantes alimentarios presentes en alimentos ultraprocesados consumidos por universitários / Food dyes present in ultra-processed foods consumed by university students

Objective: to describe the food dyes present in ultra-processed foods consumed by 273 students of the Nutrition Course at a public university of Rio de Janeiro. Methods: It was characterized the socio-demographic and health profile using semi-structured questionnaire. Consumption of ultra processed food was conducted by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (gelatine, stuffed cookies, candies and bubble gum, soda, powdered drink mix, industrialized juice, bouillon cube and instant noodles), and the food dyes were identified in the products’ label. Results: The consumption of products containing food dyes such as gelatines, candies and bubble gum, soda, and bouillon cube was above 80%. The candy and bubble gum, and bouillon cube consumption were almost daily, being 56.9% and 54.1% respectively. Conclusion: 14 food dyes food were identified on the labels of ultra-processed food. The artificial dyes caramel III and IV, bourdeaux S, sunset yellow and tartrazine, and the natural colorants annatto and carmine were highlighted.

Objetivo: descrever os corantes alimentares presentes nos alimentos ultraprocessados consumidos por 273 graduandos de uma universidade pública do Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: Foi caracterizado o perfil sociodemográfico e de saúde a partir de questionário semiestruturado. Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi obtido através do Questionário de Frequência Alimentar (gelatinas, biscoitos recheados, balas e chicletes, refrigerantes, preparados sólidos para refresco, sucos industrializados, temperos prontos e macarrão instantâneo) e os corantes foram identificados nos rótulos dos produtos. Resultados: O consumo de produtos contendo corantes como gelatinas, balas e chicletes, refrigerantes e sucos industrializados foi acima de 80%. Balas e chicletes e temperos prontos tiveram consumo quase diário, sendo 56,9% e 54,1% respectivamente. Conclusão: Identificaram-se quatorze corantes nos rótulos dos produtos industrializados ultraprocessados. Destacaram-se os corantes artificiais caramelos III e IV, bordeuax S, amarelo crepúsculo e tartrazina, e naturais urucum e carmim.

Objetivo: describir los colorantes alimenticios presentes en los alimentos ultra-procesados consumidos por 273 estudiantes de una universidad pública de Río de Janeiro. Métodos: Fue caracterizado el perfil sociodemográfico y de salud, a partir de cuestionario semiestructurado. Consumo de alimentos ultra-procesados, fue obtenido a través del Cuestionario de Frecuencia Alimentar (gelatinas, galletas rellenas, caramelos y chicles, refrescos, preparados sólidos para refresco, jugos industrializados, condimentos preparados y pastas instantáneas) y los colorantes fueron identificados en las etiquetas de los productos. Resultados: El consumo de productos conteniendo colorantes como gelatinas, caramelos y chicles, refrescos y jugos industrializados fue superior al 80%. Caramelos, chicles y condimentos preparados tuvieron consumo casi diario, 56,9% y 54,1% respectivamente. Conclusión: Se identificaron catorce colorantes en las etiquetas de los productos industrializados ultra-procesados. Los colorantes artificiales caramelos III y IV, bordeuax S, amarillo crepúsculo y tartracina, y naturales urucum y carmim se destacaron.

Conhecimento dos graduandos de nutrição e enfermagem quanto ao consumo de corantes alimentares e seus efeitos adversos à saúde / Knowledge of nursing and nutrition graduate students on the consumption of food colorings and their adverse health effects / Conocimiento de los graduandos de nutrición y enfermería sobre el consumo de colorantes alimentares y sus efectos adversos para la salud

Objective: Evaluating the knowledge among Nutrition and Nursing graduate students of a public university regarding the dietary practices in relation to the consumption of food colorings and their health risks. Methods: this is a quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study in which a semi-structured questionnaire was applied to new graduate students of the Nursing and Nutrition courses at a public university. Results: the study showed that the knowledge concerning healthy eating is not clear to graduates yet, and the excessive consumption of food colorings through goodies are still present in their daily diet. Graduates admit the existence of adverse effects caused by the dyes and industrialized products, even though the knowledge about the additives is not clear. Reading and understanding the labels was not really clarifying, mainly by inefficient information on the packages and a lack of reliability from the manufacturer. Conclusion: actions regarding clarification on these products’ information are required.

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento entre os graduandos de Nutrição e Enfermagem de uma universidade pública quanto às praticas alimentares em relação ao consumo de corantes e seus riscos à saúde. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal quanti-qualitativo onde foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado aos graduandos ingressantes no curso de Nutrição e Enfermagem de uma universidade pública. Resultados: o estudo mostrou que o conhecimento de alimentação saudável ainda não está claro para os graduandos e que o consumo de corantes é excessivo através de guloseimas que ainda se fazem presentes na alimentação. Os graduandos admitem a existência de efeitos adversos causados pelos corantes e pelos produtos industrializados, mesmo que o conhecimento sobre os aditivos ainda não esteja claro. A leitura e compreensão dos rótulos foram inadequadas, principalmente por deficiência de informações da embalagem e confiabilidade no fabricante. Conclusão: considera-se que ações de esclarecimentos quando às informações destes produtos são necessárias.

Objetivo: Evaluar el conocimiento entre los graduandos de Nutrición y Enfermería de una universidad pública cuánto a las prácticas alimentares en relación al consumo de colorantes y sus riesgos para la salud. Método: se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal cuanti-cualitativo en el cual fue aplicado un cuestionario semi-estructurado a los graduandos ingresantes en el curso de Nutrición y Enfermería de una universidad pública. Resultados: el estudio mostró que el conocimiento acerca de la alimentación saludable aún no está claro para los graduandos y que el consumo de colorantes es excesivo, a través de dulces que todavía se encuentran en la alimentación. Los graduandos admiten la existencia de efectos adversos causados por los colorantes y por los productos industrializados, por más más que el conocimiento acerca de los aditivos aún no estea claro. La lectura y la comprensión de los rótulos fueron inadecuadas, principalmente por deficiencia de información en el embalaje y la confiabilidad en el fabricante. Conclusión: se considera que son necesarias acciones que aclaren las informaciones de estos productos.

O uso de corantes artificiais em alimentos e seus efeitos à saúde da população infantil / The use of food coloring and their effects on childhood health

Tendo em vista o crescimento dos serviços de alimentação coletiva e os perigos associados à mesma (como contaminações de alimentos), um aspecto que merece destaque diz respeito à manipulação e processamento de alimentos. Assim, esse estudo teve como propósito principal investigar a presença de Staphylococcus aureus nas mãos dos manipuladores de alimentos de uma Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição (UAN). Para tanto, amostras coletadas das mãos de manipuladores de alimentos de diferentes setores do local analisado foram utilizadas. A coleta foi realizada com auxilio de placas de Petri, as quais continham um meio de cultura seletivo para Staphylococcus aureus (Agar manitol hipertônico). As análises mostraram a existência de apenas um portador do micro-organismo (14,28%). Esse resultado sugere que os manipuladores de alimentos são potencialmente capazes de causar intoxicação estafilocócica, por meio de contato direto com os alimentos sendo importantes fontes de contaminação. Há necessidade, portanto, de adotar boas práticas de manipulação dos alimentos para prevenir contaminação e intoxicação alimentar. (AU)

Given the food service growth and the risks associated with it (food contamination, for instance), the handling and food processing aspects must to be managed and supervised. Thus, this study aims to investigate the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the hands of food handlers in a Food Service. For that, samples from the hands of food handlers from different sectors of the local studied were collected and, consequently, assessed. The data collection was performed by means of Petri dishes, which contained a medium selective for Staphylococcus aureus (Agar mannitol hypertonic). The analyses showed the existence of one carrier of the microorganism (14,28%). This result suggests that food handlers are potentially capable of causing staphylococcal food poisoning, through direct contact with the food being important sources of contamination. There is need, therefore, to adopt good manufacturing practices to prevent contamination and food poisoning. (AU)

Reações adversas aos corantes naturais: uma visão do alergista homeopata

Este trabalho apresentou questões relacionadas aos corantes naturais na alimentação e suas reações adversas na visão do alergologista homeopata, com finalidade de propor um tratamento isoterápico a elas. O autor buscou dados completos sobre os corantes naturais do ponto de vista químico, seu uso tradicional, riscos e benefícios para a saúde segundo pesquisas científicas e descreveu os vários tipos de reações adversas, possivelmente relacionados a estes aditivos. Fez uma breve descrição do que seja a Homeopatia e a Isoterapia e propôs uma nova abordagem terapêutica das reações adversas aos corantes naturais baseada nos princípios da igualdade e da semelhança. (AU)

This study has presented points related to Food Coloring and it’s adverse reactions through the homeopath allergist’s point of view, in order to propose an isotherapic treatment for them. The author searched complete data about Food Coloring based on a chemical point of view, the traditional use of the additives, risks and benefits for health according to scientific research, and has also described the various types of adverse reactions possibly related to these additives. The author has made a quick description of what would be Homeopathy and Isotherapy, and has proposed a new therapeutic approach of the adverse reactions to Food Coloring based on the principles of equality and similarity. (AU)

Sudan dyes: are they dangerous for human health?

Azo and diazo compounds include Sudan dyes, which were widely used in industry. Although they are not permitted in food, they had been found contaminating different food products and their presence is investigated regularly (since 2003) in these products. Sudan III, as well as Sudan Black B, was included in different laboratory techniques for tissue ceroid and lipofucsin analysis and blood-cell staining. Also, Sudan Black B has been recently included in in vivo evaluations in human beings (through oral intake), and Sudan III is still allowed in cosmetics. These azo dyes were metabolized to possible carcinogenic colorless amines, both in the liver of mammalians and by the micro flora present in human skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Both human and laboratory animal cytochrome P450s (CYPs) were able to oxidize Sudan I, whereas Sudan III modified CYP activities. In vitro genotoxic effects were reported for Sudan I, and some DNA adducts formed through exposure to its metabolites were identified. Sudan I was also found to be carcinogenic in the rat, but not in the mouse. The aim of the present review is to put together the most relevant information concerning Sudan dye uses and toxicity to provide some tools for the identification of the risk they represent for human health.

Exploratory study on sequestration of some essential metals by indigo carmine food dye

Indigo carmine forms a stable complex with different ions, and the stability constant of the complexes were evaluated as log K equal to 5.75; 5.00; 4.89 and 3.89 for complexes with Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Zn(II) ions, respectively, in 0.1 mol L-1 carbonate buffer solution at pH 10. The interaction between Cu(II) ions and indigo carmine (IC) in alkaline medium resulted in the formation of the Cu2(IC) complex, measured by the spectrophotometric method, with a stoichiometric ratio between indigo carmine and metal ions of 2:1 (metal-ligand). The reported method has also been successfully tested for determination of copper in pharmaceutical compounds based on copper-gluconate without pre-treatment.

Índigo carmim forma complexos estáveis com diferentes íons e a constante de estabilidade dos complexos foi avaliada como log K igual 5,75; 5,00; 4,89 e 3,89, respectivamente, para os complexos com os íons Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) e Zn(II) em solução tampão carbonato 0,1 mol L-1, pH 10. A interação entre o íon Cu(II) e índigo carmin (IC) em meio alcalino resultou na formação do complexo Cu2(IC) monitorado por método espectrofotométrico, com razão estequiométrica entre o índigo carmim e o íon metálico de 2:1 (metal-ligante). O método relatado também tem sido testado com sucesso para determinação de cobre em compostos farmacêuticos à base de cobre-gliconato sem qualquer pré-tratamento.

Safety of ingestion of yellow tartrazine by double-blind placebo controlled challenge in 26 atopic adults.

BACKGROUND: Yellow dye tartrazine is a potential cause of exacerbations of asthma, allergic rhinitis and urticaria in atopic patients. The Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) published a consultation about the possibility of issuing a label warning addressing these potential effects of food and drugs containing tartrazine. The present study aims to evaluate tartrazine dye safety in atopic subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria or sensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). METHODS: Atopic patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria or pseudo-allergic reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were studied (n=26). The gold standard, double-blind placebo controlled, crossed-over challenge was used RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between placebo and drug in cutaneous, respiratory or cardiovascular aspects. CONCLUSIONS: In a group of atopic subjects with allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria or pseudo-allergic reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the administration of 35 mg of the tartrazine dye did not precipitate any kind of significant cutaneous, respiratory or cardiovascular reactions when compared to placebo.

Peligros de los colorantes y aditivos / Risk of coloring and food additives

Las reacciones adversa a aditivos es un tema de especial interés en la práctica clínica. Hasta la fecha, no se dispone de estudios de calidad que permitan aportar datos sólidos sobre los efectos de los aditivos a largo plazo. La evidencia actualmente disponible no demuestra, sin embargo, una asociación clara, que justifique el retiro de alguno de los aditivos en uso. La legislación chilena sobre aditivos se basa en los estudios descritos y es acorde con los estándares internacionales actuales. Nuestro rol como médicos, es mantenernos informados al respecto, utilizando evidencia sólida. A la vez, como promotores de la salud, fomentar el consumo familiar de alimentos naturales.

Reacciones adversas a alimentos y sus aditivos / Adverse reactions to food and their additives

Las reacciones adversas a alimentos es un tema de importancia en la práctica médica y su trascendencia en pediatría adquiere mayor relieve día a día. El estilo de vida y los cambios de hábitos alimentarios que ha impuesto la vida moderna conducen al consumo de una cantidad de elementos ajenos al nutriente natural cuyas consecuencias recién se comienzan a identificar. La mayor parte de esta problemática está rodeada de profundas controversias basadas en la falta de estudios adecuados en muchos casos, pero en muchos otros, en una falta de preocupación por el tema

Erupción fija pigmentaria por jugos artificiales / Fixed pigmentary drug eruption due to artificial juices

Se presentan tres pacientes entre siete y once años de edad, que desarrollaron una erupción fija pigmentaria tras al ingesta durante más de tres años de jugos artificiales dietéticos. Se realizó estudio histológico, que fue de compatibilidad en el primer y segundo caso, mostrando un patrón liquenoide en el tercero. Se discute el rol de los edulcorantes contenidos en estos jugos artificiales, como así su asociación con las sulfas

Erupción fija pigmentaria por jugos artificiales / Fixed pigmentary drug eruption due to artificial juices

Se presentan tres pacientes entre siete y once años de edad, que desarrollaron una erupción fija pigmentaria tras al ingesta durante más de tres años de jugos artificiales dietéticos. Se realizó estudio histológico, que fue de compatibilidad en el primer y segundo caso, mostrando un patrón liquenoide en el tercero. Se discute el rol de los edulcorantes contenidos en estos jugos artificiales, como así su asociación con las sulfas (AU)

Hiperactividad, dieta y conducta / Hiperactivity, behavior and diet

A continuación exponemos algunas referencias de investigaciones realizadas recientemente, en donde se establece un análisis crítico que apoya la necesidad de cambiar en base a esa información obtenida, el concepto de que las dietas (alimentos, bebidas, colorantes y aditivos), no tienen influencia directa sobre el trastorno del déficit de la atención-hiperactividad(TDAH) en niños y adultos, establecer el rol de los megavitamínicos, los cuales son inefectivos cuando está presente el TDAH, que en todo caso deben de realizarse estudios más profundos y éticos, y por lo tanto no deben de prescribirse ninguna de éstas alternativas, ya que no se justifica su empleo

Isolation, purification and identification of the hyperglycaemic principle of the annatto (Bixa Orellana)

The use of herbal medicines in diabetes treatment is still a reality in Third World countries. The annatto is one of the plants widely used as an oral hypoglycaemic. Preliminary findings on the annatto, by a study group at the University of the West Indies showed, however, that anaesthetized dogs fed the crude extract of this annatto exhibited signs of hyperglycaemia. This unexpected result prompted further investigation. Studies commenced in 1985 to determine which component(s) from the crude extract was responsible for the observed hyperglycaemia. The chloroform eluent of the annatto seeds was separated by a chromatography sequence and recrystallizations, yielding a single bioactive component. Analysis by GC-mass spectrophotometry showed this component to be 99.4 percent pure, having a molecular weight of 394.2 and fitting the molecular formula C25H3O4. Further analysis by infrared (IR) spectrophotometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) supported the suggested molecular formula. Corroborative evidence was provided by 13C-NMR, confirming the structure of the hyperglycaemic agent as being that of transbixin. When this transbixin was fed to anaesthetized dogs in the amount of 0.6 g/Kg body weight, the dogs exhibited persistent hyperglycaemia. Additionally, electron microscopy revealed that they suffered severe damage to liver, kidney and pancreatic tissues to an extent that suggested that transbixin was not just hyperglycaemic, but also diabetogenic and toxic. Annatto pigments have, however, been listed by the FAO/WHO as being safe for human consumption and is widely used as colouring for butter, cheese, soups and other foods. The findings of this study indicate that another look will have to be taken at the annatto extracts as food additives, since transbixin is a major constituent. Further, the millions of poor in developing countries who continue to use annatto as a treatment for diabetes and other systemic ailments will need to be re-educated as to the possible implications of its continued use (AU)