Is Blue #2 Bad For You?
Also Known As: FD&C Blue #2, indigo carmine, indigotine
Short answer
FD&C Blue dye #2 (Indigo) is bad for you. All artificial colors add something negative to your body without providing any nutritional value.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Artificial dyes are an unnecessary additive in foods. They are added to food and beverages for the sole purpose of making them more aesthetically pleasing. Artificial dyes have no nutritional value. Over the years, the list of banned dyes has increased, as additional research studies continue to prove them to be dangerous.
Of the many Food, Drug, and Cosmetics (FD&C) dyes, Blue dye #2 is one considered among the least harmful, in comparison to reds, yellows, and other shades of blue. The dye is used is many tasty treats, such as candy, cakes, and ice cream, as well as pet food, medications, and clothing.
Blue dye #2 in not water-soluble. Chemists often use alternative solvents, such as ethanol as a substitution. Similar to other dyes, it has been heavily correlated with hyperactivity, especially in children. Some highly regarded studies revealed it to have carcinogenic reactions in mice, though Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, found the studies to be insignificant. The FDA continues to justify the negative effects of artificial dyes on human health, in spite of numerous studies highlighting these effects.
A small percentage of people express an allergy to Blue dye #2 and experience symptoms, such as hives, asthma, skin rashes, and tumors. Keep in mind, of the evil food dyes, this one is found to hold a much lower symptoms and consequence rate than other artificial dyes.
On the beneficial side, we can thank blue dye #2 for the invention of denim. As a matter of a fact, Denim is the most well-known product associated with the artificial dye, along with many other pieces of clothing. It is heavily present in dog food, even though most dog food is not blue. Most dogs are not concerned with how “pretty” their food looks, so it is merely just another added chemical without purpose.
Possible short-term side effects
- hyperactivity
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hives
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skin rashes
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allergies
Possible long-term side effects
Commonly found in
- soft drinks
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candy
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cereal
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baked goods
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frozen desserts
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snack foods
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confections
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gelatin product
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dog food
-
medications
Benefits
- more aesthetically pleasing products
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-18-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 02-18-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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