Red Dye and Sensory Sensitivities: What You Need to Know

Hi, I’m Alicia Clark, a mother of 3 beautiful children and a licensed pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of Faith and Function. With over 18 years of experience supporting health care professionals, educators, children and families with sensory processing challenges, I’m passionate about helping families navigate factors that impact behavior and development.

In this post, I’ll explore how red dye might influence sensory regulation and offer practical strategies for parents and therapists to support children’s well-being.

What’s All the Fuss About Red Dye?

Recently, there’s been growing attention around the potential elimination of red dye from the market. This has sparked conversations among parents, caregivers, and professionals in child development. But why is red dye such a controversial topic? How does it impact sensory processing and behavior in children? Let’s dive into the research and understand how eliminating red dye could benefit children, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or developmental challenges.

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What Is Red Dye, and Where Is It Found?

Red dye, particularly Red Dye No. 40, is a synthetic food coloring commonly used in:

• Sweets like gummies, hard candies, and frosting
• Beverages such as fruit punches, sports drinks, and sodas
• Packaged snacks like chips and crackers
• Over-the-counter medications and vitamins

While it adds visual appeal to these products, concerns about its effects on health and behavior have grown over the years.

How Does Red Dye Impact Sensory Processing?
For children with sensory processing challenges, red dye can act as a trigger. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that synthetic dyes, including Red Dye No. 40, may:

1. Increase Hyperactivity: Linked to hyperactive behavior, particularly in children with ADHD, potentially due to interactions with brain chemistry.
   
   
2. Exacerbate Sensory Sensitivities: Heighten responses to stimuli such as sound, light, or touch.
   
   
3. Affect Mood and Behavior: Parents often report mood swings, irritability, or heightened emotional responses after consumption.
   
   While not all children are affected, those with conditions such as autism or ADHD may be more sensitive to its effects.
   
   

   

Why Is Red Dye Controversial?
Red dye has been scrutinized for decades due to concerns about safety:

• Potential Allergic Reactions: Hives or other physical reactions in some children.
• Behavioral Changes: Evidence links synthetic dyes to behavioral challenges.
• Chemical Composition: Derived from petroleum, raising concerns about long-term safety.
  
  While the U.S. still allows red dye, other countries have banned or restricted synthetic dyes in favor of natural alternatives.

Steps Parents Can Take to Reduce Red Dye Exposure
If you suspect red dye affects your child’s behavior or sensory processing, here are proactive steps:

• Check Labels: Look for synthetic dyes like Red Dye No. 40 in ingredient lists.
  
• Choose Natural Alternatives: Opt for products colored with natural sources such as beet juice, turmeric, or paprika extract.
  
• Focus on Whole Foods: Reducing processed foods naturally limits exposure to synthetic additives.
  
• Track Behavior: Use a food diary to observe changes in mood or sensory responses after consuming red dye.

Benefits of Eliminating Red Dye
Reducing or eliminating red dye from a child’s diet can lead to improvements in:

• Emotional Regulation: Reduced mood swings and irritability.
• Behavior: Improved attention and reduced hyperactivity
  
• Sensory Tolerance: Better ability to handle stimuli like noise, light, or textures.
  
  Practical Ideas to Get Started
  Here are some simple swaps to reduce red dye in your child’s daily life:
  
  Snacks:
  Organic fruit snacks
  Organic fruit bars
  Naturally colored chips
  Probiotic yogurt bites
  Crackers and Pretzel Mix
  Dye-Free Popsicles
  
  Drinks:
  Organic Apple Juice
  Organic Lemonade
  Sparkling Water
  Dye-Free Sports Drink
  True Lemon Lemonade Packs
  Black Cherry Limeade Packs
  
  Baking Needs:
  Plant Based Food Coloring
  Dye-Free Sprinkles
  
  Medications: 
  Kid's Multivitamin
  Children's Dye-Free Allergy Medicine
  Children's Motrin Dye-Free Ibuprofen
  Kids' Pain & Fever Reducer
  
   

  

Disclaimer: The medication recommendations provided in this blog are for informational purposes only. As a licensed occupational therapist, I am not prescribing or endorsing specific medications. Always consult with your child’s pediatrician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider before using any medications, especially if your child has unique medical needs or allergies.

A Step Toward Greater Awareness
The potential removal of red dye reflects a growing awareness of how synthetic additives can impact health and behavior. Whether or not red dye is fully eliminated from the market, families can take small, proactive steps to support their children’s well-being.

By choosing naturally colored foods, monitoring dietary impacts, and exploring alternatives, parents and professionals can work together to create meaningful improvements in sensory regulation and overall quality of life. And remember—making changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small by swapping out one or two items, and celebrate each step you take toward supporting your child’s well-being.