I am currently giving one of my kiddos a round of antibiotics.  Not for a “sickness” in the sense that most might think, but more for an acute situation that needs a little help healing.  We try to live as naturally and chemical-free as possible, so it breaks my heart a little.  It’s been years since we’ve needed to rely on antibiotics, but I will say I’m incredibly thankful that medication is available when it’s truly needed.

You know what’s really frustrating, though?

The pharmacy literally didn’t have a dye-free option.  How is that possible?  The only version they had in the store included a healthy dose of Red #40.  And the only version that didn’t have Red #40 was the white one that … get this … had to be ordered and also has dyes!  What in the world?!

What is Red #40?

See that bright pink color in the picture?  Yikes!  Red #40 is made from petroleum distillates/coal tar and it’s not something we ingest with any kind of regularity in my family.  Yes, it’s been generally regarded as safe (GRAS), but one of it’s ingredients is “reasonably anticipated” to be a carcinogen.  It can cause allergic reactions, including swelling around the mouth.  It has also been linked to hyperactive behavior, which is one of the main reasons we stay away from it.  Likewise, the research conducted in mice regarding Red #40 produced all sorts of side effects.

I do my own research on these chemical additives because … well … I simply don’t trust the governing body’s authority regarding decisions about food additive safety.  Please do a quick Google search for “Red #40 side effects” or “what is Red #40 made of,” and you’ll see for yourself.

Here’s the thing.  Ingesting small amounts of Red #40 occasionally is probably fine.  But Red #40 is in everything, even processed foods that’s aren’t pink.  With the potential side effects that come along with this additive, I see absolutely no reason for it to be in the medication that we need to make our children feel better.  Good grief.

We simply must do better for our children.