In addition, some degradation products of aromatic dyes and amines may be carcinogenic (93). Blue No. 1 consumption has not been found to cause tumors in rats. However, it has been found to inhibit nerve cell development in vitro, and its use has been related to skin irritations and bronchial constriction.
Like many other color additives, the primary use of Blue No. 1 is to correct or enhance natural coloring or to give colorless compounds a vivid hue. In the United States, of the two approved blue dyes (the other being Indigo carmine, or FD&C Blue #2), brilliant blue FCF is the more common of the two.
“Blue 1 has been related to skin irritations and even long bronchial constructions, especially when combined with other dyes,” Nazarian adds. “It is not an ingredient I would recommend in skincare.” Other side effects include non-permanent dying or tinting of the skin.
Blue Dye #1 - Also referred to as Brilliant Blue or Blue 1, this artificial food colourant is often found in baked goods such as cakes, cupcakes and cake pops to give them a bright colouring.
FD&C Blue No. 1 is widely used in food products (candies, confections, beverages, etc.) and there have been no reports of toxicity associated with this general food use.
Blue #1 (E133) and Blue #2 (E132)
Countries including Norway, Finland, and France have banned these dyes, likely because they have been linked to brain cancer. These additives are found in certain candy, cereal, soda drinks, and sports drinks. Surprisingly, it may also be added to pet food.
In general, however, it is believed that food dyes are typically excreted from the body within 24-48 hours.
Many children are sensitive to synthetic dyes.
According to Dr. Nigg, food dyes cause symptoms in up to eight percent of children with ADHD nationwide—or over 500,000 kids.
This study examined the effects of red/blue coloring of visual food cues and verbal color suggestions on reported food wanting. It was shown that both blue and red coloring of the depicted food items had an appetite-reducing effect.
The three dyes most consumed–Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6–are the dyes most likely to cause systemic allergic reactions. These same dyes also contain the cancer-causing contaminants Benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl and 4-aminoazobenzene.
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 "indigotine," on the other hand, is a synthetic version of the plant-based indigo that has a long history as a textile dye.
Food Dyes. Commonly used food dyes, such as Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40, pose risks including behavioral problems and hyperactivity in some children. Some dyes also pose a risk of cancer (like Red 3) and allergic reactions (like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Blue 1).
The studies that were reviewed in this article show that diet, especially consumption of artificial food coloring, produces statistically significant increases in ADHD symptoms in children.
Blue 1 is a synthetic pigment used to add color to makeup, as well as skin care and food products. It is water-soluble. The United States Food and Drug Administration has ruled Blue 1 safe in its current use.
Red dye 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. Research has shown that it is linked to certain ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, and may also cause other neurobehavioral effects in children. People can check for red dye 40 on food labels if they wish to limit their intake.
To date, no conclusive evidence has been found to show that food coloring causes ADHD. Some studies, though, have suggested an association between the two. Most likely, ADHD is caused by the combination of changes in brain structure, environmental factors, and heredity.
Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.
Reactions to food dyes are seen as a food intolerance, not an allergy, but symptoms include upset stomach and headache. Dyes are generally used in highly processed and extremely sugary foods, which you should be limiting anyway.
Blue and purple fruits and vegetables help prevent heart disease, stroke and cancer. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables are very important for your memory and promote healthy aging. This food also protects urinary tract health and regulates healthy digestion.
Food additives, including aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and some food dyes, have also been linked to anxiety, depression, and mood changes.
Blue 1 – Found in baked goods, ice cream, canned peas, jellies, candy, beverages, dessert powders, condiments, other foods, mouthwash, medicines.
Three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens. At least four dyes (Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) cause hypersensitivity reactions. Numerous microbiological and rodent studies of Yellow 5 were positive for genotoxicity.