Food additives are substances added to foods and beverages for enhanced flavor, texture, shelf life or color. The Food and Drug Administration has a list of over 700 food additives that are "generally recognized as safe." Certain additives may cause adverse reactions, including hyperactivity, in some people. Although anyone can experience hyperactivity, it is commonly associated with attention deficit disorder -- one of the most common childhood disorders that may persist into adulthood, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Relationship
Although many food additives have not specifically been linked with ADHD, artificial coloring and the preservative sodium benzoate may worsen hyperactivity in some children. Additives may affect some adults with ADHD similarly. Because many studies investigate the effects of combined food additives on hyperactivity, according to MayoClinic.com child psychiatrist Dr. John E. Huxsahl, it remains unclear which specific additives affect behavior and to what extent. Food coloring that may pose problems include FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Yellow No. 5, D&C Yellow No. 10 and FD&C Red No.40.
Evidence
Research regarding the relationship between food additives on hyperactivity is ongoing. In one study, published in the "The Lancet" in Nov 2007, 53 3-year-old children and 144 children ages 8 or 9 consumed a drink containing sodium benzoate and artificial food coloring or a placebo beverage. Of the 167 children who completed the study, those who consumed the beverage containing artificial additives showed increased hyperactivity. Researchers concluded that the additives may worsen hyperactivity in children among the general population. In other words, children with and without ADHD may experience adverse effects.
Sources
Many food additives do not require clear labeling, according to Huxsahl, so it can be difficult to determine which foods contain them. The FDI does require that FD&C Yellow No. 5, which may be particularly likely to cause adverse reactions, be labeled among food ingredients. Common sources of food coloring include candy, sugary cereals, fruit punch, other colorful beverages, other-than-pure fruit juice, custard and frozen desserts. Sodium benzoate is often added to soft drinks, vinegar, fruit juice, salad dressing and wine.
Suggestions
Eliminating all artificial coloring and additives from your diet can be expensive and time-intensive, according to dietitian Joanne Larsen. Unless you experience obvious or severe adverse reactions, you may be best off eating primarily natural foods and processed foods in moderation. The "best" diet for children, according to Larsen, includes fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and milk, prepared with as little sugar and salt as possible. Choosing fresh fruit instead of candy and whole grains instead of pastries most often can help minimize food additives and promote your overall nutritional health. If you're concerned about food additives, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Additives
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
- "The 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 Rrial; Donna McCann et al.; Nov. 2007
- Ask the Dietitian: Joanne Larsen: Hyperactivity and ADHD
