Avaliação do consumo de corantes alimentares vermelhos por lactentes e crianças em idade pré-escolar

Abstract

We know that the only function of food dyes is to check color to food offering no nutritional value of this food. Studies have demonstrated the happening of adverse reactions to short and long term, due the consumption of foods that have artificial coloring. The reactions range from toxic reactionsin the metabolism of triggering allergies, changes in behavior in general and carcinogenicity, the latter observed in long term. The objective of the present work was to rate the consumption of redartificial dyes present in powdered drinks, soda, candy, lollipop, popsicle gelatin and, for infants (0 to 1 year and 11 months of age) and children with age between 2 and 5 years and 11 months students from private schools in the city of Campo Mourao. A food frequency questionnaire was developed and sent for the responsible of the child for be answered. The reported consumption was quantified and considered the amount of dye present in these foods, as the maximum level allowed by law. The quantity of dye consumed by children was compared with the acceptable daily intake for each age group, considering the average weight provided by the 50th percentile of the NCHS tables. It was found that the erythrosine dyes and amaranth exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI) in all age groups, while dyesPonceau 4 R and red 40 areconsumed by the half of 100% limit.