Food dyes could be a contributing factor in hyperactive behavior. Other factors also contribute to ADHD behaviors. What are they?

British Study on Food Dyes

Southampton University in England has found a link to food dyes and hyperactive behavior in children. The research does not prove that food colorings actually cause ADHD behaviors but there does seem to be a link. The results were published in The Lancet medical journal in September of 2007.

Susan Jebb, nutrition scientist at Britain’s Medical Research Council, stated, "Such additives are most likely to be found in foods that we would like to see children eating less of – i.e. soft drinks, confectionery and so on – and so it reiterates the general healthy eating messages of encouraging healthier food choices." [news.yahoo.com, September 6, 2007]

The Stats

Nearly 300 children were involved in the study.

• 153 3-year-olds
• 144 children ages 8 and 9

Three groups of food dyes were part of the study.

Group One

• Sunset yellow
• Carmoisine
• Tartrazine
• Ponceau
• Sodium benzoate (a preservative)

Group Two

• Sodium benzoate
• Sunset yellow
• Carmoisine
• Quinoline yellow
• Allura red.

Group Three

• Placebo

Results

Older children showed a "significantly adverse effect" from Group One and Group Two. Younger children seemed significantly affected by Group One, only. [news.yahoo.com, September 6, 2007]

Nutrition and Food Dyes

This study brings up a larger issue than food coloring. Nutrition is becoming critical in homes and schools. Cooking "from scratch" is becoming less common with families relying on packaged foods for a quick supper after a long workday. Preservatives and food dyes seem to be part of life.

School lunches are not always freshly cooked meals. Much of the food in schools comes processed and frozen. While there is now a conscious effort to provide more fresh fruits and vegetables in school lunches, much of the food comes prepared for reheating in the school kitchen.

Many of the juices children are given to drink as a healthy snack are filled with food colorings. Unless a fruit juice is 100% natural, it is likely to be filled with sugar and dyes.

Chips and cereals are filled with dyes. Look at all the colorful boxes in the cereal section next time you go shopping. The use of dyes is quite evident.

Home Structure and ADHD

Another component to ADHD behaviors is structure. School schedules and all the after school participation can raise havoc with home structure. It is difficult to find a home with a consistent suppertime. Schedules are disrupted with

• Before school practices
• Scouts
• Band trips
• Piano lessons
• Dance lessons
• After school practices
• Ball games
• Church activities

Routines and consistent schedules make life more predicable for an ADHD child. A child with hyperactive tendencies is easily set off by disruptions in a schedule. Try and build routine into the before and after school schedules at home.

Allergies

Some children are very sensitive to cleaning fluids and even scented candles. Dust in the home, cat dander, dogs, and even carpeting can be the cause of hyperactive behaviors. Many claim that allergies disappear once carpeting is removed and hardwood floors installed. Some doctors will suggest removing carpeting from bedrooms.

Many Causes for ADHD

While there are many suspected causes for ADHD behaviors, some are easy to eliminate.

• Eliminate foods with large quantities of dyes.
• Reduce or eliminate sugary drinks.
• Plan a consistent routine in the home.
• Snack on whole foods as found in nature instead of packaged snacks.
• Look for allergens in the home and see if eliminating them helps.

Doris J. Rapp, author of The Impossible Child, believes that food and environment affect behaviors. "This book is designed for caring but perplexed educators and parents who want to help children who have been erroneously labelled as dumb, lazy, nasty, rude, overactive, irritable, slow or impossible. This book will enable you to recognize which children have allergies, or food or chemical sensitivities interfering with their ability to learn and behave normally." Rapp was the Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at State University of New York at Buffalo at the time the book was published in 1986 by the Practical Allergy Research Foundation.

There is usually more than one cause to a problem and more than one solution.

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Read previous articles on Educational Issues.

Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.