Red food dye promotes inflammation in the gut, altering the gut microbiota.
“Researchers fed mice either normal mouse chow or mouse chow that contained a red food dye called Allura Red for 12 weeks and assessed their gut health. Allura Red, also known as FD&C Red 40 or Food Red 17, is used in many food products, including candy, soft drinks, dairy products, and some breakfast cereals.”