Too Colourful To Be Healthy: The Hidden Risks Of Synthetic Food Dyes - Part 2 

Yellow Food Colours   

1. Yellow No-5 (Tartarazine): (E-102)

It is a synthetic food colour used particularly to impart vibrant yellow shades not only to various food products but also to cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Tartrazine (Yellow No. 5) is used with multiple other synthetic colours to create green shades. Chemically, it is an azo compound produced from petroleum-based materials. It is a bright orange-yellow powder, soluble in water and glycerol. It is denoted by the number E-102.  

Where is it used?
It is extensively used in the food industry and the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Now let's see its uses in detail:   

A. Food Industry:   

1. Ice creams, Ice pops and popsicles.
2. Hard candies, Marshmallows, Gummies, chewing gums, cotton candy.  
3. Instant Puddings, Cake mixes, custard powder, and Pastries.  
4. Biscuits and cookies.  
5. Soft drinks, Energy drinks, sports drinks, powdered drink mixes, fruit juices.  
6. Flavoured/mixed alcoholic beverages.  
7. Flavoured corn chips (E.g. Nachos), Popcorn, Potato/Banana chips  
8. Jams, jellies, Marmalades  
9. Dairy products, such as yoghurt, cheese, and flavoured milk, etc.  
10. Sauces and condiments,  
11. Other processed foods include cornflakes, Muesli, and Instant foods such as soups, noodles, and rice (E.g., risotto).  
12. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes (e.g., Biryani, kebabs) that are prepared in restaurants or by the outside vendors.  

B. Cosmetics:   

1. Liquid and bar soaps, green hand sanitiser
2. Moisturisers and lotions
3. Perfumes and deodorants
4. Shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products.   
5. Eyeshadow, blush, face powder and foundation, lipstick, etc. – even in those that are primarily pink or purple.    
6. Temporary tattoos, Nail polishes, Nail polish remover, etc.

C. Pharmaceuticals

For easy identification purposes, Tartrazine is used in various medications to give a yellow, orange, or green hue, such as:   

1. 1. Syrups
   2. Capsules
   3. Tablets  
   4. Lotions  
   5. Gels    

Associated Health Risk Concerns:
According to some scientific studies, consumption of Tartrazine in the form of food colours can have adverse reactions on our health and well-being. Although in the majority, Tartrazine enters our body through food, its use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals can also be a source of adverse health effects in sensitive individuals, as it can be absorbed through our skin or metabolised in the body through ingested medications.  According to some studies, even 1 mg of tartrazine/ yellow-5 intake can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Let's look in detail at these health hazards:   

A. Allergic Reactions:  
Allergic reactions associated with the consumption of tartrazine food colour can vary from mild itching, hives, eczema, and skin rashes to asthma-like symptoms, or in severe cases, it can cause anaphylaxis.  The incidence and severity of the reaction can vary from person to person, depending on the sensitivity and quantity of the colour ingested. The release of histamine and other inflammation-producing chemicals triggers this inflammatory and allergic response.   

B. Aspirin Intolerance:   
Some people are sensitive to aspirin. It means that if these individuals take aspirin, they can experience symptoms such as wheezing, a runny nose, a rash, or even breathing problems, which is known as aspirin intolerance. Tartrazine is chemically similar and works through a similar pathway as aspirin inside our body. Thus, in people who are intolerant to aspirin, Tartrazine consumption can sometimes trigger the same kind of reactions.   

C. Exacerbation of Asthma and Rhinitis:   
In people who have Asthma or respiratory problems like rhinitis, ingestion of tartrazine food colour can exacerbate (Worsen) their existing condition.  

D. Hyperactivity and Behavioural Changes:
Consumption of Tartrazine is associated with the development of ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) like symptoms in children, such as Inattention, forgetfulness, Excessive activity, restlessness, and Poor self-control.

It can develop through multiple mechanisms, including disruption in the level and balance of neurotransmitter activity necessary for Mood, attention, focus, and behaviour, release of histamine, Oxidative stress, and free radical-induced damage to brain cells, and zinc deficiency (causing deterioration in the behavioural and emotional status of affected children).  

E. Pathological lesions in vital organs:
According to some scientific studies, chronic tartrazine consumption increases the risk of developing oxidative stress and free radicals, inducing Inflammatory damage to the cells and tissues in this vital organ and the development of various pathological lesions such as:  

1. Brain -Neurodegenerative changes, altered neurotransmitter levels, etc.
2. Kidneys and liver- Damage to the structure and function causes alterations in biochemical profile.  

F. Increased risk of Malignancy (Cancer): 
Chronic consumption of Tartrazine can result in an increased risk of developing malignancy (cancer) in the body. There can be multiple mechanisms behind it, such as:

1. Tartrazine metabolite (Sulfanilic acid) is a known carcinogen (Cancer-causing compound).
2. Tartrazine enhances the tumorigenic (tumour-forming) effect of other carcinogens.
3. The free radicals and oxidative stress induce DNA damage and mutations.   

G. Excessive Fatigue:
Consumption of Tartrazine is associated with an increased incidence of fatigue in individuals; there can be multiple mechanisms behind it that include:

1. Oxidative stress and free radicals induce cellular damage and disruption of cellular functions.
2. Disruption in the levels and balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin.
3. A reduction in the Liver's ability to detoxify and process nutrients leads to metabolic dysregulation and fatigue.  

H. Insomnia:
Tartrazine consumption is associated with sleep disturbances and, in severe cases, insomnia. Multiple mechanisms play a role in these adverse effects, such as:   

1. Free radicals and oxidative stress-induced damage to the brain tissues disrupt normal brain function.
2. Disruption in normal sleep–wake–up cycle of the body due to alteration of neurotransmitter levels and imbalance between their activity.
3. There is an increased tendency to difficulty in falling asleep in children suffering from Tartrazine-induced ADHD-like symptoms.   

I. Anaemia 
According to some scientific studies, the interaction of Tartrazine with haemoglobin can be the primary cause behind Tartrazine-induced anaemia. Let's see how it happens:   

1. It binds to haemoglobin, alters its structure and disrupts its normal function of oxygen transport to tissues.
2. Oxidative stress-induced damage to the cellular components involved in red blood cell production and haemoglobin function.
3. A decrease in Iron and Zinc in the tissues below the level necessary for the overall production of red blood cells and haemoglobin synthesis.
4. The toxic tartrazine metabolites induced damage to vital organs like the Kidneys and Liver, indirectly manifesting in the form of anaemia.   

According to scientific studies even small amounts of tartrazine, as low as 0.1 mg, can cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals 

2. Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow): (E-110) 
It is a synthetic food colour used to give an orange-yellow shade. Apart from the food industry, it is also used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Chemically, it is a synthetic azo dye derived from aromatic amines. Physically, it is a brown-orange powder or granules. It is denoted by the number E-110.    

Where is it used?   
Sunset yellow or yellow no. 6 is a synthetic food colour used in various foods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products to impart an orange-yellow shade; let's understand its uses in detail:

A. Food Industry:   

1. Ice candies and Ice creams   
2. Soft drinks and sodas  
3. Candies, jellies and gummies  
4. Cakes, biscuits and other bakery items  
5. Breakfast cereals  
6. Instant noodles seasoning  
7. Flavoured yoghurt  
8. Desserts  
9. Cheese-flavoured snacks  
10. Ready-to-eat curries  
11. Fruit juices (Especially orange juice)  
12. Pickles  
13. Sauces  
14. Weight loss products

B. Cosmetics:   

1. Soaps and Shampoos   
2. Hair dye   
3. Sun care and skin care products   
4. Henna-based products   
5. Lipsticks and lip glosses   
6. Eyeshadow/Blush   
7. Nail polishes

C. Pharmaceuticals:   

1. Syrups. E.g. Cough syrups   
2. Powders/oral rehydration salts  
3. Tablets/capsules coatings  
4. Multivitamin liquids  

Associated Health Risk Concerns

A. Allergic Reactions:
The allergic reactions associated with the Sunset Yellow/Yellow-6 food colour can vary from mild (Hives, itching, and skin rashes) to severe (wheezing, breathlessness). In some individuals, it can be life-threatening. e.g., Anaphylaxis/Anaphylactic shock. It can happen due to the stimulation of a particular type of white blood cell (Basophils), which is associated with allergic and inflammatory responses (E.g., the release of histamine and triggering of allergic reactions) when yellow six binds to a specific type of antibody (IgE). 

B. Hyperactivity (ADHD Like behaviour) in children:
According to some scientific studies, consumption of Sunset Yellow food colour may exacerbate symptoms of ADHD-like behaviour (Difficulty in paying attention, forgetfulness, excessive activity, excessive talking, restlessness, acting without thinking, Poor self-control, etc.) The mechanism behind it can be:   

1. Inadequate absorption or metabolism of certain nutrients essential for brain function, e.g. Zinc.   
2. Release of histamine in response to its ingestion may contribute to behavioural changes.   
3. Altered activity and function of neurotransmitters in the brain are associated with its consumption.  

C. Gastrointestinal Issues: 
Chronic consumption of Yellow-6/sunset yellow food colour is associated with inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and increased risk of Inflammatory bowel diseases. The mechanisms behind it can include:

1. Alterations in the quality of gut microbiota (Increase in the number of harmful bacteria and a reduction in the number of beneficial gut bacteria.)    
2. Triggering of programmed cell death in the gastrointestinal tract through a complex mechanism  
3. Disruption in the integrity of the GI tract barrier function.

D. Haematological Changes: 
According to some scientific studies, consumption of Sunset Yellow Food colour, especially in combination with other additives, may result in a decrease in red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and haemoglobin levels. The mechanisms behind it can be multiple, such as: 

1. Oxidative stress (Generated during the metabolism of yellow-6/ Sunset yellow) induced damage to the cellular components, including DNA in the blood cells, disrupting the function of white blood cells and the production of red blood cells.   
2. Release of inflammatory chemicals due to disruption of gut microbiota and increased intestinal permeability, which affects blood cell production and function.  
3. Disruption of the endocrine system impacts the production of hormones that regulate the production of blood cells.     

So far in this series, we have discussed red and yellow synthetic food colours in detail in the first two parts. In the next or concluding (Part-3) part of this article, we will discuss other less common food colours (blue and green food colours)..

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and provides an overview of artificial food colours and their presence in foods, cosmetics, and medicines. It should not be considered medical or professional advice. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health, treatment, or medication. Do not stop, change, or skip any prescribed treatment without medical guidance.

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