What are food colorants and its impact on children's health

Nowadays, food colors and additives are very prevalent, especially in processed foods. Although these enhance the visual appeal of meals, artificial food colorings or dyes may pose health-related challenges. Thus, it is essential to teach children the significance of selecting whole, natural foods and to educate parents about the negative impact of artificial food dyes. Synthetic food dyes are common in today's foods, ranging from sweets and drinks to pastries and packaged snacks. The possible health dangers linked to these are an increasing worry for both health experts and consumers. Children are especially susceptible to health issues linked to synthetic food colorings as their developing brains and bodies are more vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals. This Mother's Day, it's important to consider the potential impact of these additives on children's health. Many physicians are increasingly concerned about the prevalence of artificial food colorants in children's diets.

What are food colorants?

Food colors, popularly known as food dyes are man-made chemical substances created to enhance the overall appearance of food. In some cases, these substances also enhance the flavour of the food, providing a satiating experience.

Types of food colours:

a. Natural Food Colorants: These consist of pigments derived from natural origins, like beetroot extract for red, turmeric for yellow, and chlorophyll for green. They are usually deemed safer and present fewer side effects, although some people might still respond to specific natural dyes.

b. Synthetic Food Colorants: Synthetic food colorants are chemical substances added to foods to enhance their visual appeal. Understanding the difference between natural and synthetic food colorants is crucial for mothers seeking to make informed choices about their children's diets.

These artificial food substances can have a serious impact, especially on children with low immunity and a history of medical conditions. Hence, it is best advised to avoid the excessive consumption of colored food and replace it with healthier alternatives.

It is important to consider the following potential side effects of coloured food items that can harm the well-being and health of your children. Mothers should be aware of the potential risks associated with these additives.

a. Allergic reactions

Food colorants can instigate unique allergic reactions to different individuals based on the history of their health conditions. To avoid your little ones from experiencing extreme allergic reactions, ensure to keep a check on their digestion process, shifts in eating habits, mood swings, and more. Consult your doctor if you notice strange spots, digestion problems, and other visible symptoms. Physicians advise mothers to be observant of any changes in their child's health and to seek medical attention if they suspect an allergic reaction.

b. Hyperactivity

Research studies have probed the potential link between specific artificial food colorants and hyperactivity in young children. However, while the solid evidence remains inconclusive, there are possibilities of such scenarios if consumed extensively daily.

On Mother’s Day, let’s take a pledge to create a healthier and safer environment for our young generation. Read food labels more carefully, look for substances that may cause allergic reactions, and avoid the consumption of processed and artificially colored food items.

This Mother's Day, you are encouraged to commit to becoming more informed consumers for the sake of their children's health.

By making informed choices about the foods they provide their children, mothers can contribute to their long-term well-being. It is recommended that mothers prioritize whole, natural foods and minimize their children's exposure to artificial food colorants.