Direct food additives are substances added to your food to achieve an objective such as improving appearance. Indirect food additives are substances found in food after the production process. Evidence does not indicate that food additives cause attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. But according to MayoClinic.com child psychiatrist John E. Huxsahl, certain food additives may cause or escalate hyperactivity in some children.
Research
Researchers published a study in "The Lancet" in 2007 in which they examined food additives as a group, so it is difficult to specify which food additives influence hyperactivity. It was determined that sodium benzoate, FD&C yellow no. 6, D&C yellow no. 10, FD&C yellow no. 5 and FD&C red no. 40 may worsen hyperactive behavior. FD&C Yellow No. 5 is more likely to be problematic than other food additives. Foods containing FD&C yellow no. 5 must be labeled.
Identification
A list of approximately 700 food additives is published by the Food and Drug Administration. Although the additives are considered safe, most have not been tested. It is difficult to determine if a food contains additives, because many food additives do not require labeling. According to Huxsahl, food additives are usually present in brightly colored, processed foods.
Recommendations
Restrictive diets can prevent your child from receiving the nutrients and vitamins needed for healthy growth and development. Consult with your child's doctor when considering a restrictive diet. Joanne Larsen, a dietitian, suggests instructing children about healthy foods and how to make nutritious food choices. Larsen advocates a diet that includes meats, milk, grains, fruits and vegetables. Add little salt or sugar to cooked foods. Limit processed foods, and incorporate healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids into the child's diet.
Implications
Additional research is needed to identify specific food additives that increase hyperactivity in children. Few additives are known to influence hyperactivity. Researchers from the University of Maryland Medical Center report that studies concerning the effect of food additives on hyperactivity in children are contradictory. If you observe that a particular food causes or increases hyperactive behavior in your child, document the food that was eaten and contact your child's doctor.
References
- MayoClinic.com: ADHD Diet: Do Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperactivity and Sugar
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperactivity
- MedlinePlus: Food Additives
- Ask the Dietitian: Joanne Larsen: Hyperactivity and ADHD
