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FDA Considers Evidence That Food Dyes Lead to ADHD
Fake colors contributes to hyperactivity?
Today the Food and Drug Administration begins a meeting to examine whether artificial food dyes — the kind used in candy, soda, cereal and a host of other processed foods, can cause symptoms of ADHD in children.
Artificial food coloring is made from petroleum. If that, in and of itself doesn’t sound unsavory enough, some point to studies saying that they can cause an uptick in kids’ hyperactivity. That has some urging the FDA to either ban or require warning labels for these fun color-bursting ingredients.
Here’s what the FDA is mulling over this week in the case of food dyes and ADHD:
Many people try “elimination diets” when they note hyperactivity in their kids (dating back to the 1970′s and pediatrician Benjamin Feingold’s suggestions), and some say it works. On the other hand, NPR interviewed a mom and daughter combo for whom food restrictions did not work, whereas ADHD medication immediately did.
But the Center for Science in the Public interest says that the use of dyes is five times what it was 50 years ago, and they want to see eight specific dyes (that make up most of our coloring additives) banned from foods.
The FDA has already released a review of studies on dyes and ADHD and says it finds no conclusive evidence of a link (the CFSPI says otherwise). But, for example, the European Union has decided to require a label on any product with artificial dyes. Some manufacturers have decided to use natural dyes made from things like beets instead, but this route is more expensive.
The bottom line is that we can’t make a conclusive, direct statement about dyes leading to ADHD, but most doctors will say that it can’t hurt to try eliminating them – why not? It’s not as if they have health value. But the thing is, as I pointed out in a recent article on Autism and ADHD crossovers, ADHD is a complex disorder. Maybe dyes or other food additives do swing certain kids into hyperactive moods (although we know it isn’t sugar that does this), while others are unaffected. That’s possible because ADHD is such a varied disorder and doesn’t have the same physiological profile in every kid.
What do you think about food dyes and hyperactivity? Have you or someone you know tried to eliminate them?
Image: flickr
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7 Comments
Patrick Hart commented on Mar 30 11 at 7:00 pm30 yrs ago my mother said this and they are finally figuring this out! My youngest sister would climb the walls and be totally out of control and all my mother did was cut out artifical coloring and flavoring and bing,she was 10 times calmer and easier to deal with.Amazing what our parents could figure out on their own!
Kellyk commented on Mar 30 11 at 8:06 pmMy son can’t have red dye #40 or #3. The top lip will turn bright red with a rash & he turns hateful almost immediately. It’s crazy the say there’s no relation.
Jill DiSalvio commented on Mar 30 11 at 8:35 pmThe fact that the FDA won’t admit the connection just confirms what we already know about them – that they are the laughing stock of the world. They care more about the makers of Ritalin, the food companies and the chemical companies than the people they are hurting. Why did Navartis donate BIG sums of money to CHADD? If both the UK and the Netherlands have already proven the connection, why can’t the U.S..? Why else would the UK remove food dyes from their food? As both the mother of a child who is sensitive to food dyes as well as a teacher who sees reactions all the time, I assure the FDA that there is a direct correlation. It’s not only hyperactivity that is involved, but they cause and worsen ALL conditions. They are even carcinogenic. Wake up FDA!
heatherturgeon commented on Mar 31 11 at 1:57 pmI wonder if the fact that certain kids have a reaction and others don’t makes it hard to show scientific evidence of the relationship. it’s more complicated than food dye causing hyperactivity – it’s tied to the individual kids physiology etc.?
Cate commented on Mar 31 11 at 9:47 pmWe have seen a definite improvement in both of our sons when foods with artificial colors were eliminated from their diets.
It started when teachers were concerned starting in Kindergarten that our oldest son (now 11) might have ADHD. After talking it over with his pediatrician – we determined that we didn’t think he needed to be tested immediately. Then another parent told us about someone she knew who had had success by “purifying” her child’s diet: taking out artificial colors, flavors, and feeding minimal to no processed foods.
We called it our “experiment” and we packed a sandwich, organic (no artificial colors) yoghurt, and a piece of organic fruit for his breakfast each day. It seemed that school breakfast was the biggest offender when it came to unhealthy foods. After one week the teacher noted a marked improvement in his attention in class and ability to focus on his work.
This continued throughout his elementary years and now he is able to make good choices about what to eat – knowing how foods affect him.
E. commented on Apr 03 11 at 9:45 pmFeed your kids all the artificial stuff they want then give them Ritalin or Adderol to zone them out.
I’m sure it’s as safe as the live Polio vaccine. Where’s the problem?
Amy commented on Jan 10 12 at 1:38 pmMy son was diagnosed with ADD. He has chosen to stop dyes in his diet because they “make him feel funny.” He stated this and is determined to stay away, especially the red and yellow dyes. Its’ so hard for him because he loves lemonade (we squeeze our own now), Lego waffles, (why do they need to be so yellow) etc. But HE has felt a difference and told me. If a 9 or 10 year old little dude can figure this out himself, why can’t doctors and the FDA figure it out?@
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