Characteristics of hyperactive behavior include the need for constant activity, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, the inability to concentrate and aggressiveness. Hyperactivity in children can make learning in school more difficult. Certain food additives and colorings may increase hyperactivity in children. Avoiding such foods may improve your child's attention.
Sodium Benzoate
Primarily found in fruit juices, carbonated beverages and pickles, sodium benzoate is a food preservative that prevents the growth of microorganisms in acidic foods. A 2007 study published in "Lancet" by D. McCann and colleagues at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom investigated the effects of food additives and food colorings on hyperactivity in 153 three-year-old children and 144 eight- and nine-year-old children in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial. The children were given either a drink with sodium benzoate, one of two drinks with artificial colors and additives, or a placebo. The children who consumed the drinks with sodium benzoate and the artificial colors and additives had a significant increase in hyperactivity, according to the researchers.
FD&C Yellow No. 6
FD&C Yellow No. 6 is a food coloring used in baked goods, cereals, drinks, dessert powders, candy, gelatin and sausage. A 2005 study published in the "Archives of Disease in Childhood" conducted by B. Bateman and colleagues at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom investigated the effects of food additives and food colorings on hyperactivity in a group of three-year-old children. The study included 277 children subjected to a diet eliminating all food additives and food colorings for one week. Then, in a double-blind placebo crossover design, the children were randomly given a drink with artificial colorings, artificial preservatives or a placebo for a three-week period. The authors of the study reported a decrease in hyperactivity during the rest period and a significant increase in hyperactivity in the children who were given the drink with food colorings and additives.
FD&C Red No. 40
Red 40 is a Food and Drug Administration-approved food coloring, most widely used as a food coloring additive. It is found in baked goods, beverages, desserts, candies and cereals, along with cosmetics and drugs. Intake of Red 40 may increase hyperactivity in children, according to the Centers for Science in the Public Interest.
FD&C Yellow No. 5
FD&C Yellow No. 5, also known as tartrazine, is found in baked goods, beverages, candies, desserts and cereals. It is the second most widely used food coloring additive, according to the Centers for Science in the Public Interest, and may cause hyperactivity in children.
References
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Food Dyes Rainbow of Risk
- MayoClinic.com: ADHD Diet: Do Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?
- Pubmed.gov: Food Additives and Hyperactive Behavior in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old Children in the Community: A Randomized. Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Food Additives
- Medline Plus: Hyperactivity and Children
- Pubmed.gov: The Effects of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Artificial Food Colorings and Benzoate Preservative Challenge on Hyperactivity in a General Population Sample of Preschool Children
