Food coloring may be linked to your child's hyperactivity, studies say
MANILA, Philippines – Food coloring has been used for ages to make food look even more appealing, making it one of the most popular ingredients in food production. But, as harmless and as colorful as they might look, studies have found out that food coloring may be linked to kids’ behavioral issues such as Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity (ADHD).
A study by the United Kingdom’s Food Standards Agency in 2007 showed that the consumption of foods containing dyes could increase hyperactive behavior in children. In the study of 3-, 8- and 9-year-olds, the children were given three different types of beverages to drink. The researchers found that hyperactive behavior by the 8- and 9-year-olds increased with both the mixtures containing artificial coloring additives.
In 2013, an article published in healthychild.org said that according to the American Academy of Pediatricians Attention Deficit Disorder, hyperactivity have been officially linked to the consumption of artificial food dyes. This conclusion was made after reviewing the British study in 2007.
A type of food coloring, Red Dye 40 was also concluded to cause inflammation because of the base ingredient, petroleum, according to Dr. Michael Wolff, a neuropsychologist who treats children hyperactivity.
Mayo Clinic on the other hand suggests that these are the food additives that may increase hyperactivity:
- Sodium benzoate
- FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow)
- D&C Yellow No. 10 (quinoline yellow)
- FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine)
- FD&C Red No.40 (allura red)
Meanwhile, there is no enough evidence that food coloring really affects hyperactivity except the few studies published in journals and from the experiences of moms who witnessed the behavioral change of their children. Food coloring has not been banned yet by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA).
It is always important to note that the key to your child's overall health and nutrition is a diet that limits sugary and processed foods.
