Red+40+(Allura)

Arthurline Bowen March 4, 2008 Stream: 4 Blue

=Red #40= Red Dye #40 (and all FDA certified dyes) is referred to as a "Coal Tar" dye. The phrase has little meaning today but a hundred years ago it was used to describe synthetic chemicals that started out with coal tar as a precursor. It's more likely today to find a petrochemical as the original base of most synthetic chemicals, though they're so highly refined that you won't find any residual petroleum in the product. The proper chemical name for Red40 is:

6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid Which is a terribly long word for a very tiny molecule. The chemical is often referred to as an "azo" dye. If you look at the drawing of the chemical below, you'll see two Nitrogen atoms near the center of the molecule (passing your cursor over the drawing will highlight the "N" on the nitrogen atoms) The way the two Nitrogen’s are connected together with a double bond is called an "azo" bond; this is what makes this chemical a part of the "azo" family.

This is where I got my information for the Red #40 http://www.red40.com/pages/chemistry.html

Nutritional Information •What type of nutrient/chemical is it? (Protein, carbohydrate, lipid, vitamin, mineral, etc.) It doesn’t have nutrient or chemical; this product contains no vitamins or minerals

•What happens if there is too much or too little of this nutrient in your diet? Children are most often the ones who have sensitivity to red #40, whether or not they consume more or less it is still affective. Some reactions include temper tantrums, hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, uncontrollable crying and screaming, kicking, nervousness, dizziness, inability to concentrate and sit still among other findings. Physically you may get frequent headaches or migraines, upset stomach and feel ill after ingesting this additive. Often when Red 40 is eliminated from the child's diet a remarkable change is noticed immediately.

What human body systems are most affected by this? While Red #40 may make food esthetically pleasing in appearance, it can cause a negative reaction in those who consume it. When the FDA first approved Red #40 as a food-coloring additive there was some controversy as to whether or not it caused tumors and cancer. Those claims have been proven to be false but now many parents, Doctors and Teachers are becoming aware of other concerns regarding intake of red 40, especially in young children. Many times consumable products include both high amounts of sugar as well as red #40 so it can be hard to determine if the child's behavior or reaction is because of the sugar or because of the food dye. Both can cause similar results but it is clear that red 40 can be a culprit on it's own as similar results occur when sugar is not present. Children who have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) generally have significant improvements of their behavior and ability to concentrate when artificial additives such as red food dye is removed from their diet. Red 40 can also affect adults; it is a common trigger for migraines. It can also cause an upset stomach and make you feel uncomfortable and jittery. •From what type of foods do we mainly obtain this chemical/nutrient? Red #40 is used mainly in junk food such as: Soda pop, candy, gelatin, desserts, pastry, sausage, Cheetos, Doritos chips, strawberry pop-tarts, m&m's, skittles, many chewing gums, etc. Also many children's vitamins and pain relievers/cold medicine have red 40 in them.

Structural Information•From what type of foods do we mainly obtain this chemical/nutrient? Red #40 is used mainly in junk food such as: Soda pop, candy, gelatin, desserts, pastry, sausage, Cheetos, Doritos chips, strawberry pop-tarts, m&m's, skittles, many chewing gums, etc. Also many children's vitamins and pain relievers/cold medicine have red 40 in them.

Structural Information •What is the chemical/nutrient’s chemical formula? •What is the chemical/nutrient’s chemical formula? 6-hydroxy-5-(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenylazo)-2-naphtalenesulfonic acid sodium salt.

•Include a diagram of the molecule •How does this molecule chemically interact with the body? It doesn’t really say, but it is very addictive.