Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), the predominantly inattentive type of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), is a behavioral disorder characterized by difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While anecdotal evidence suggests that artificial food coloring contributes to some of these behaviors in children, reviews of the research remains mixed and current research is limited.
Studies
The most compelling research to date regarding artificial food colors and ADHD came out of the UK's University of Southampton's Department of Child Health. Published in the November 3, 2007, edition of "Lancet," researchers D. McCann et al analyzed 21 past studies and found evidence suggesting that artificial dyes can exacerbate hyperactivity and attention problems in some children ages 3 through 9. Other studies reviewing the effects of artificial colors and additives on child behavior date back 20 to 30 years.
FDA Stance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states on its website that food and color additives are closely studied, regulated and monitored. In response to the 2007 study appearing in "Lancet," the FDA claims it conducted an independent review of McCann's research results and concluded that the study's link between food coloring and behavioral effects was not sufficiently substantiated.
Side Effects
The "Lancet" study suggests artificial dyes could cause or exacerbate symptoms of hyperactivity, restlessness and attention problems. This concurs with parental anecdotal evidence that attributes problems focusing and fidgety behavior to artificial food colorings.
Trial Run
ADDitude Magazine author Laura Stevens suggests you perform a trial run with your child if you suspect artificial food colorings are causing or contributing to ADHD-like behaviors. She suggests avoiding foods and drinks with U.S.-certified colors Red #40, Blue #2, Yellow #5 (Tartrazine), Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow) for a week. If you notice an improvement in your child's symptoms, reintroduce these colorings one by one into your child's diet by adding a few drops of artificial food coloring into a glass of water and observe his behavior for a few hours after drinking it.
Alternatives
If you suspect your child's behavior worsens after eating or drinking foods with artificial food colorings, consider alternatives like substituting 100 percent fruit juice for soft drinks, fruit drinks and fruit punches. Use pure extracts when baking instead of artificial flavorings, and look for foods that do not include artificial colors.
References
- "The Role of Food Coloring in Improving Symptoms of Hyperactive Kids"; ADDitude Magazine; Laura Stevens; December/January 2008
- Lancet; Food Additives and Hyperactive Behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old Children in the Community: a Randomised, Double-blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial; D. McCann et al; November 3, 2007
- "The Truth About Food (Dyes)"; CBS News; Nancy Cordes; June 3, 2008
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Food Ingredients and Colors; November 2004; revised April 2010
- "What is ADHD?"; KidsHealth
