The incidence of colorectal cancer among young people has risen since the early 1990s. The rates of colon and rectal cancer are expected to increase by more than 100 percent.
Increased global consumption of a Westernized diet that consists of red and processed meats, added sugar, and refined grains is thought to be the reason behind the trend. Ultra-processed food such as industrial baked sweets, soft drinks, and processed meat make up sixty percent of the Standard American Diet. There is an increased risk of colorectal cancer for people who have SAD.
Ultra-processed foods are colorful and I'm concerned about that. Many delicious foods and treats are present during the year-end holidays.
Many of the colors that make up candy canes, sugar cookies, and even cranberry sauce and roast ham are synthetic. There is evidence that artificial food dyes may cause cancer.
Synthetic food dyes have been studied for their effects on colorectal cancer development.
I believe that you may want to think twice before you eat that colorful treat this holiday season, as research on the potential cancer risk of synthetic food dyes is only just starting.
Synthetic dyes make food look better. The first food dyes were made from coal tar. Azo dye is a final product made from the synthesis of a chemical called naphthalene.
Synthetic dyes are cheaper and last longer than natural dyes. Synthetic food dyes have been developed over the past century, but most of them are toxic. Only nine are approved for use in food in the U.S.
What causes colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is caused by damage to the genes. Damage to the cancer driver genes can cause the cell to divide uncontrollably and turn into a cancer.
Inflammation is a driver of colorectal cancer. Inflammation occurs when the immune system sends out inflammatory cells.
When inflammation persists, it can harm healthy cells by releasing free radicals that can damage their genes.
When there isn't an injury to heal, a molecule called cytokines can prolong inflammation and drive increased cell division and cancer development in the gut.
Long-term poor eating habits can lead to inflammation that doesn't produce noticeable symptoms, even though inflammatory molecules continue to damage healthy cells.
Food dyes and cancer.
There are currently available research points to potential health risks for people who consume synthetic food colors.
Synthetic dyes can be broken down by thebacteria in your gut, which can cause cancer. There is more research needed on how the microbiome interacts with synthetic food coloring.
Studies show that artificial food dyes can bind to cells. Synthetic dyes can cause inflammation in the body. The mechanisms may pose a problem for colon and rectal health.
Rats have been found to have damage to their genes. There is data showing that Allura Red, or Red 40, and Yellow 5 can cause damage to colon cancer cells in a lab environment.
Our results need to be replicated in animal and human models before we can say that the dyes caused damage.
Artificial food coloring is of particular concern to children. Children are more vulnerable to environmental toxins because their bodies are still developing. I and others believe that this concern may extend to synthetic food dyes, especially considering their prevalence in children's food.
A 2016 study found that over 40% of food products marketed to children in one major supermarket contained artificial food coloring. There needs to be more research done on how exposure to artificial food dyes affects children.
Reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
Some treats during the holidays won't cause colorectal cancer. A long-term diet of processed foods might be possible. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, even though more research is needed on the link between synthetic food dyes and cancer.
One way to detect colon cancer is to be screened. Increasing your physical activity is one way to do that. You can eat a healthy diet with more whole grains and produce and less alcohol and red and processed meat. Your gut will thank you in the long run if you don't eat the colorful, ultra-processed foods that may be plentiful during the holidays.
The science-editors-picks-71 is a piece of literature.
The College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina has an Associate Dean for Research.
The Conversation's article is a Creative Commons licensed one. The original article can be found here.
