Banning Ingredients Won’t Save Us...Here’s What Will

Red Dye No. 3 is officially banned. The FDA recently pulled the plug on this artificial food coloring, and many health-conscious folks are cheering. But is this really a win for public health, or just a distraction from bigger issues? Dr. Layne Norton, a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences and respected expert known for debunking nutrition myths, has some thoughts—and as usual, he’s cutting through the noise.

The Big Question: Does Red Dye No. 3 Really Matter?

The FDA recently announced a ban on Red Dye No. 3, and a lot of health-conscious folks are celebrating. After all, we’ve heard claims that artificial food colorings are toxic, harmful, and linked to all sorts of diseases. So, does this mean we’ve just taken a major step toward a healthier America?

Not so fast, says Norton. While he’s not advocating for food dyes or saying they’re totally harmless, he points out a critical issue: there’s no solid evidence that Red Dye No. 3 poses a real risk at typical consumption levels. The studies that suggest harm used extremely high doses in animals—way more than anyone would ever realistically consume.

The Bigger Picture: Food Dyes vs. The Real Health Crisis

While many people are hyper-focused on banning certain food additives, Norton argues that we’re missing the real problem:

• The average American eats around 3,500 calories per day—far more than they need.

• The average person gets less than 20 minutes of physical activity per day.

In other words, even if food dyes are a tiny bit harmful (and that’s a big if), they’re nothing compared to the real drivers of poor health—overeating and inactivity.

To put it in perspective, Norton compares food dyes to pebbles, while poor diet and lack of exercise are boulders. Sure, maybe microplastics, additives, and dyes have some impact. But if we’re not addressing the major issues, banning a single ingredient isn’t going to move the needle.

The Hypocrisy of “Anti-Government” Thinkers

One of the most ironic things Norton points out is the inconsistency in how people react to government decisions. There’s a large movement of influencers who constantly say, “The government is hiding the truth from you! You can’t trust the FDA!” But as soon as the FDA bans something they don’t like, suddenly, it’s proof that they were right all along.

This “asymmetrical application of logic,” as Norton calls it, is a big red flag in the health and wellness space. It’s confirmation bias at its finest—people only trust information that aligns with what they already believe.

So, Should You Worry About Red Dye No. 3?

Norton’s take is simple: if you want to avoid artificial dyes, go for it. But don’t think banning them will have a meaningful impact on public health. Instead, focus on what really matters:

• Eating a balanced diet with mostly whole foods.

• Managing your calorie intake.

• Moving your body more.

If you’re already doing these things, then tiny details like food dyes probably aren’t going to make or break your health.

The Red Dye No. 3 ban is making headlines, but it’s not the game-changer some people think it is. If we want to improve health in the U.S., we need to focus on big changes—better eating habits and more movement. Everything else? Just noise.

I’m here to support you on your journey to a healthier, fitter life. As always, I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover in future issues by replying to this email.

Want to share DK Does Midlife via text, social media, or email? Just copy and paste this link: https://dkdml.beehiiv.com

For additional content, follow me on Instagram here

Be well,

Dave

Please note: This newsletter is designed for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your health and fitness needs.