New Study Supports Theory: Food Additives Play Role in ADHD Behavior

Artificial food colorings can exacerbate attention deficit and hyperactive (ADHD) behavior in children between the ages of 3 to 9 years old according to a report by British researchers Wednesday, September 5, 2007.

Research for the study included testing 300 children by giving them juice with food coloring and preservatives, then identifying significant changes in behavior. The study was done by Jim Stevenson and colleagues at the University of Southhampton.

The findings show that not only children with ADHD where effected, but also children in general. "These findings show that adverse effects are not just seen in children with extreme hyperactivity (such as ADHD) but can also be seen in the general population and across the range of severities of hyperactivity," researchers wrote in the Lancet Medical Journal.

Two mixtures of a juice drink where made. One mixture was given to a group of 3 year olds. Another was given to the group of 8-9 year olds. One of the mixtures closely resembles the ingredients in a popular children's drink, although the brand name is not mentioned. The study of the effects by Stevenson's team included the following food colors and preservatives: sunset yellow coloring, (a.k.a. E110); carmoisine, or E122; tartrazine, or E102; ponceau 4R, or E124; preservative sodium benzoate, or E211; and others. The children where also given a neutral additive free drink for comparison.

It was found that both mixtures had a significant affect on the older children, the 3 year old group was most affected by the mixture that resembled the average intake on children in their age group. The research team states that overall, the children reacted poorly to cocktails.

"We have found an adverse effect of food additives on the hyperactive behavior of 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children," they wrote in the journal. The conclusion of the study was "The implications of these results for the regulation of food additive use could be substantial".

According to the National Institute for Mental Health; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder characteristics include "inattention, hyperactivity ". , and impulsivity

For years, medication has been widely used in the treatment of ADHD. Popular medications include, Ritilin, Allderall, Concerta, and most recently Strattera among others. Common side effects of such medications include: decreased appetite, insomnia, increased anxiety, irritability, and mild stomach aches or headaches.

Although this particular formal study by Stevensen was just completed, the affects of food additives (especially food colorings) has been long suspected by some doctors, and many parents of ADHD kids.

Dr. Benjamin Feingold was committed to the theory that food coloring, additives and preservatives had an affect on ADHD children. He inadvertently stumbled upon an elimination diet that helped children diagnosed with ADHD improve their behavior, helped with learning abilities, and improved their health. In 1974, after years of research, Dr. Feingold wrote the book "Why Is My Child Hyperactive?" where he introduced the public to what was coined "The Feingold Diet". Along with food coloring and artificial additives, environmental factors where also said to affect ADHD children.

Today research is scientifically backing up the theory of the correlation between diet and ADHD. However there still remains a debate over the treatment of ADHD. Some doctors say that ADHD behavior can not be blamed on food additives alone. "However, we need to remember that there are many factors associated with hyperactive behavior in children. These are thought to include genetic factors, being born prematurely, or environment and upbringing," said Dr. Andrew Wadge, chief scientist of the F.S.A.

For more information on ADHD visit ADHD at The National Institute for Mental Health. For Information on The Feingold Diet, and other scientific studies related to ADHD and environmental factors, food additives and their effects, visit The Feingold Association.org.

Sources: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm#treat

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20612862/

Feingold.org

http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/healthday/070906/food-additives-could-fuel-hyperactivity-in-kids.htm