Doozlygirl
|
Hello all, I thought some of you may benefit from some interesting tidbits I have learned about azo dyes, after seeing azo dyes on the mast cell degranulators list. I am sorry there isn't a fantastic website to references but wikipedia did get me started, the rest I have pieced together from scores of sites.
I've also recently posted on food and medication colorings under Medications, but decided to start a new thread here under Triggers.
The FDA gets the most complaints about 3 food additives - aspartame, FD&C Red 40, and FD&C Yellow 5. All three of these can triger hives, flushing, headaches, congnitive impairment, itching and GI issues. My research has been focused on food and medication dyes, since I already knew I didn't tolerate Yellow 5.
Any of the numbered dyes beginning with FD&C (USA Numbering system =Food, Drug and Cosmetic) are considered azo dyes. Several of these numbered dyes have already been pulled from the US market due to research that proved they are known carcinogens. These dyes are cheap to make and are derived from petroleum. Europe and other countries have banned azo dyes.
Red and Yellow Azo dyes are high in salicylates. A comprehensive list of products and foods containing high salicylates in posted several places on this site.
FD&C Red 40, also known as Allure Red, is found in red, pink, and purple medications, as well as products and foods. It is used to add color to soda, such as rootbeer, marchino cheries, gatorade, koolaid, jello, ice cream, cereal, packaged foods, and is injected into tomatoes and other red produce as well.
FD&C Yellow 5 is also known as Tartrazine, is lemon yellow in color and is found in medications as yellow, peach, orange, green, and purple tablets and capsules. It is also found in products and bakery goods (breads, donuts, cookies, cakes) Mountain Dew and other sodas, spices, cereal, snack foods, such as Doritos, Cheetos, and just about every packaged food. People who react to tartrazine tend to also have asprin sensitivity, tied to the high salicylates.
FD&C Yellow 6 is also known as Sunset Yellow and is made from Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow 5), so many people also react to this one as well. It tends to look dark yellow or orange and is found in in many of the same items as above.
I've found the following meds contain either a red or yellow azo dye (different formulations and doseages may vary): generic ranitidine, brand Zantac, prescription 50K IU Vit D, generic zolpidem, verapamil, synthroid, Levoxyl, HCTZ, advil gelcaps.
Iron oxide dyes are one alternative to azo dyes. They are more expensive, but widely considered safe, and the natural oxides come from the earth. Fexofenadine (generic allegra) and Singulair both have an iron oxide dye. Look for meds or foods with iron oxide dyes and avoid FD&C dyes if possible, then see if your level of reactivity changes.
If you consider the bucket theory, it would make sense to limit these azo dyes from obvious foods and medications. I am only 4 days into my azo-free program and others are noticing a change in me, so it must be lowering my bucket level. I hope this may be able to help someone else lower their bucket level. Lyn
|