A Major Win for Root-Cause Healthcare

The FDA has officially begun phasing out a class of petroleum-derived synthetic dyes long associated with health concerns — a move that marks a significant step toward toxin-aware healthcare. For practitioners in functional medicine, this is not breaking news but long-overdue validation: dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and especially Red 3 have been under scrutiny for decades.

This policy shift, slated to remove several dyes from foods by 2026 and from medications by 2028, aligns with our systems-based approach to healing. It acknowledges what we've known clinically — that chemical additives can trigger inflammation, neurological symptoms, and immune disruption, especially in sensitive populations.

A functional medicine practitioner reviewing the gut-brain connection chart, highlighting the link between gut health and anxiety.

What Are Synthetic Dyes?

Synthetic dyes are petroleum-derived chemical colorants added to foods, supplements, drinks, and medications to enhance appearance and shelf appeal.

While they may make products look more enticing, many of these dyes have been linked to adverse health effects — especially in sensitive individuals, children, and those with impaired detoxification pathways.

The FDA’s current phase-out targets the following artificial colorants:

  • Red 40 (Allura Red AC)
  • Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
  • Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)
  • Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
  • Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine)
  • Green 3 (Fast Green FCF)
  • Citrus Red 2
  • Orange B
  • Red 3 (Erythrosine) – already banned in cosmetics, now being removed from food and drugs due to potential cancer risk

Hidden Names and Label Tricks: What to Watch For

Many synthetic dyes don’t appear on labels in an obvious way. They may be listed under chemical names, international coding systems, or bundled into ambiguous terms like “color added.” Here’s what to look out for:

Alternative Names for Synthetic Dyes

  • Red 40 – also listed as Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, CI 16035
  • Yellow 5 – also listed as Tartrazine, FD&C Yellow No. 5, CI 19140
  • Yellow 6 – also listed as Sunset Yellow FCF, FD&C Yellow No. 6, CI 15985
  • Blue 1 – also listed as Brilliant Blue FCF, FD&C Blue No. 1, CI 42090
  • Blue 2 – also listed as Indigo Carmine, FD&C Blue No. 2, CI 73015
  • Green 3 – also listed as Fast Green FCF, FD&C Green No. 3, CI 42053
  • Red 3 – also listed as Erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3, CI 45430
  • Citrus Red 2 – may appear in orange rinds or colored orange beverages, with minimal disclosure
  • Orange B – no longer widely used in foods but still present in regulatory listings

Other Common Label Terms to Avoid

  • “Color added”
  • “Artificial color”
  • “Artificial coloring”
  • “Caramel color” (often produced with ammonia and linked to 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen)
  • “Natural color” (can legally include ingredients derived from insects or chemically modified plants)

Some of these colorants are also found in medications, chewable vitamins, and supplements — especially those marketed to children — so it’s important to check labels even beyond the grocery aisle.

Where Synthetic Dyes Show Up

Artificial dyes are everywhere — not just in neon-colored candies or sugary cereals. These petroleum-derived chemicals are added across a wide range of consumer products, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.

Most of these dyes have no therapeutic function. They’re used purely for branding, flavor association, or consumer appeal. But for those with chronic inflammation, neurodevelopmental concerns, immune dysregulation, or poor detox pathways, even small exposures can add up.

Synthetic dyes often act as immune irritants or neuroactive agents, especially in children. Reducing exposure across all sources — not just food — is a key step toward lowering the total toxic burden on the body.

Everyday Foods

Synthetic dyes are widely used to enhance visual appeal in both kids' and adults' foods. Look for them in:

  • Flavored yogurts, puddings, and gelatins
  • Snack foods like chips, popcorn, and crackers
  • Packaged baked goods and breakfast cereals
  • Condiments like ketchup, salad dressing, and pickles
  • Sports drinks, sodas, fruit punches, and flavored waters
  • Ice cream, candy, and frozen desserts

Kobylewski & Jacobson, Center for Science in the Public Interest, 2010

Medications and Supplements

Colorants are frequently added to:

  • Chewable and liquid medications (e.g., children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  • Cough syrups, lozenges, and cold/flu meds
  • Oral contraceptives and antibiotics
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Multivitamins, especially gummies and flavored chewables
  • Protein powders, electrolyte mixes, and greens blends

Studies have identified Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 in common children’s medicines, even when marketed as “natural” or “kid-safe.”

Bateman et al., The Lancet, 2007 – synthetic colors and hyperactivity

In Personal Care & Cosmetic Products

These same dyes may be absorbed through the skin via:

  • Toothpastes (especially children’s varieties)
  • Mouthwashes and oral rinses
  • Lip balms, glosses, and lipsticks
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
  • Bubble baths, bath bombs, and lotions

Although some colorants like Red 3 have been banned in cosmetics due to cancer concerns, others remain legal in personal care items and may still be absorbed transdermally.

Documented Health Risks of Artificial Dyes

While synthetic colorants may be approved for use in food, supplements, and medications, a growing body of research has raised serious concerns about their long-term effects — particularly for children, individuals with chronic conditions, and those with impaired detox pathways.

Neurobehavioral Concerns in Children

One of the most widely studied effects of artificial dyes is their impact on behavior, attention, and mood in children. Dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 have been linked to symptoms resembling ADHD, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and irritability.

  • A comprehensive review by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) concluded that synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children. Science News+5UC Berkeley Public Health+5OEHHA+5
  • A landmark study published in The Lancet found that mixtures of artificial colors and sodium benzoate increased hyperactive behavior in both ADHD and non-ADHD children. Stevens et al., The Lancet, 2007
  • A meta-analysis of 34 studies confirmed a significant relationship between synthetic food colors and ADHD symptoms. Nigg et al., Clinical Pediatrics, 2012
  • A 2022 systematic review published in Environmental Health found that synthetic food dyes may impact behavior in children, prompting further evaluation by OEHHA. BioMed Central

Increased Histamine Response and Allergic Reactions

Certain dyes — particularly Tartrazine (Yellow 5) and Allura Red (Red 40) — are known to provoke immune responses in sensitive individuals. These reactions may include:

  • Skin rashes or hives
  • Asthma exacerbations
  • Nasal congestion and rhinitis
  • Eczema flares

A study highlighted that artificial food colors such as Sunset Yellow, Brilliant Blue, Red 3 (erythrosine), and tartrazine resulted in allergic reactions in some individuals. healthyandnaturalworld.com

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) notes that some dyes can cause allergic reactions, including hives and asthma exacerbations, particularly in individuals sensitive to these additives. CSPI

Gut Microbiome Disruption and Leaky Gut

Emerging research shows that synthetic dyes can negatively impact the gut lining and microbiota — two pillars of functional health.

  • Red 40 and Yellow 6 have been shown to increase intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and alter gut bacteria composition in animal studies.
  • Alterations in the gut microbiome are linked not only to digestive symptoms but also to immune dysregulation, mood disorders, and chronic inflammation.

Endocrine Disruption and Hormone Interference

Some synthetic colorants act as xenoestrogens or endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone signaling in both males and females.

  • Red 3 (Erythrosine) and other dyes have shown estrogenic effects in vitro, raising concerns about their influence on reproductive and thyroid hormones.
  • Endocrine-disrupting compounds are particularly concerning during puberty and pregnancy, when hormonal balance is critical for development.

A study in Food and Chemical Toxicology assessed the endocrine-disrupting effects of 24 colorants used in food contact materials, finding that some exhibited estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity. ScienceDirect

Cancer Risk in Animal Studies (Especially Red 3)

One of the most concerning colorants is Red 3 (Erythrosine), which was banned from cosmetics in the 1990s due to its carcinogenic potential — yet it has remained legal in food and medicine until recently.

  • The National Toxicology Program concluded that Red 3 caused thyroid tumors in rats.
  • Red 3 has since been added to California’s Proposition 65 list of known. Synthetic Food Dye Risk Assessment
  • The FDA's decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 from food and drugs was influenced by studies revealing its carcinogenic potential in laboratory animals. Pharmacy Times

Functional Medicine Perspective: Why Cumulative Load Matters

From a functional medicine standpoint, synthetic dyes are just one piece of a much larger toxic burden — a burden that the body must process, neutralize, and eliminate daily. While the FDA continues to classify many food dyes as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) in isolation and small quantities, real-life exposures are neither isolated nor small.

Most studies evaluate a single dye in controlled conditions — but in the real world, individuals are often exposed to multiple additives daily across food, beverages, medications, supplements, and even personal care products.

When combined with other stressors (pesticides, plastics, mycotoxins, heavy metals), the total body burden can overwhelm detoxification and elimination pathways — particularly in children, those with methylation impairments, or individuals with chronic inflammation.

How Cumulative Load Impacts the Body

In functional medicine, we view detoxification as a dynamic process involving:

  • Phase I biotransformation (primarily via cytochrome P450 enzymes)
  • Phase II conjugation (e.g., methylation, glucuronidation, sulfation)
  • Phase III elimination (via bile, urine, stool, sweat)

Synthetic dyes can place pressure on Phase II conjugation, especially when nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and glutathione are depleted. In children, these pathways are not yet fully mature, which may explain why behavioral and immune responses are more pronounced in pediatric populations.

Additionally, if the gut barrier is compromised (i.e., leaky gut), colorant particles may trigger low-grade immune responses, further taxing detox and repair systems.

What We See in Clinical Practice

We observe improvements when patients — especially children — eliminate artificial dyes as part of a broader low-toxin protocol. Outcomes often include:

  • Calmer mood and improved emotional regulation: Parents often report fewer meltdowns, mood swings, or hyperactivity within days to weeks of removing dyes.
  • Reduced skin reactions and allergy flares: Children with eczema, hives, or chronic congestion often experience noticeable relief.
  • Better gut health: Symptoms like bloating, gas, irregular stools, and food sensitivities tend to decrease as gut inflammation subsides.
  • More stable energy and improved sleep: Particularly in teens and adults with fatigue or poor sleep patterns, reducing excitotoxic or neuro-reactive additives can make a measurable difference.

Clinical Tools We Use to Identify Dye Burden

We assess toxic burden and clearance capacity using advanced labs such as:

It’s Not Just About Elimination — It’s About Support

The goal isn’t just avoidance — it’s about creating resilience. We pair dye elimination with supportive strategies like:

  • Nutrients that fuel detox pathways (e.g., methylated B12, magnesium, NAC, glutathione)
  • Repairing the gut lining with zinc carnosine, L-glutamine, and probiotics
  • Supporting bile flow and phase II clearance with herbs like dandelion, milk thistle, or calcium D-glucarate

What You Can Do Today

Even without testing, there are practical steps patients can take right now:

  • Check labels for FD&C dyes or names like Red 40, Tartrazine, or Allura Red
  • Choose dye-free supplements and medications — often labeled as “no artificial colors” or “clean label”
  • Favor whole, minimally processed foods with naturally derived pigments (like beetroot or turmeric)
  • Support daily detox through hydration, cruciferous vegetables, fiber, movement, and restorative sleep
  • Track symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, or digestive distress before and after eliminating dyes

Why This Moment Matters

The FDA’s decision to phase out certain artificial dyes marks a rare alignment between public policy and preventive healthcare — a win for those of us who’ve long raised concerns about the risks of synthetic additives.

But it's important to note: this change isn’t immediate.

The dyes will remain on shelves in foods until 2026 and in medications until 2028, meaning most products still contain them today.

That leaves a significant window of exposure — especially for children, immune-compromised individuals, and those with neurological or inflammatory conditions. Waiting for regulation isn’t enough.

Ready to Go Deeper?

If you’re curious about your toxin load, need help navigating supplements, or want personalized guidance for your child or yourself, we’re here to help.

Dr. Khan draws from years of experience in conventional medical systems, where he witnessed the limitations of symptom-based care firsthand. His transition into functional medicine was driven by a commitment to offer science-backed, root-cause solutions for patients who want answers — not bandaids.

Book a functional consult and take the first step toward clarity, energy, and healing that lasts.

Relevant Studies & Resources

McCann D, et al. Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in children. The Lancet. 2007.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17825405

Nigg JT, et al. Meta-analysis of ADHD symptoms and artificial food colors. Clinical Pediatrics. 2012.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23026007

OEHHA (California EPA). Health Effects Assessment: Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes in Children. 2021.

https://oehha.ca.gov/risk-assessment/report/health-effects-assessment-potential-neurobehavioral-effects-synthetic-food-dyes-children

CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest). Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks. 2010.

https://www.cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/food-dyes-rainbow-of-risks.pdf

Toxicology Reports. Sunset Yellow alters gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation in mice. 2024.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691524001510

University of Guelph. Gut Reactions: Food Dyes Found to Harm Gut Microbes. 2024.

https://news.uoguelph.ca/2024/07/gut-reactions-u-of-g-study-finds-food-dyes-can-harm-gut-microbes

Baranska A, et al. Food contact chemicals and their endocrine-disrupting potential. Food Chem Toxicol. 2025.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691525001784

Current Environmental Health Reports. Reproductive and Endocrine Effects of Food Additives. 2024.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40495-024-00389-5