Scientists Warn: Food Colors Damage Kids

A recent study reported in the journal Prescrire International found that artificial food dyes are linked to an increased incidence of hyperactivity in children. Scientists studied 297 children who were representative of the general population to conclude that food colors increase hyperactivity in children, not just children who are sensitive to them.

The scientists also found that children who suffered from hyperactivity saw a worsening of their hyperactivity symptoms when they ingested food colors. In addition to their placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, they also conducted an analysis of other existing research prior to concluding “it is best to avoid exposing children to artificial food coloring.”

In another study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, the dye tartrazine was linked to behavioural disturbances in normal children. Still more research from doctors at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom found that food dyes have a significant impact on the behaviour of normal children and boost the levels of hyperactivity. These doctors also recommended that these additives be removed from children’s diets.

FDA Stalling Tactics
While numerous independent studies link artificial food colors to hyperactivity in normal, non-sensitive, children, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to claim that there is no proven relationship between food dyes and hyperactivity in children. Beginning yesterday (Wednesday), an FDA advisory committee will attempt to determine whether available research links the dyes and the disorder. Somehow the experts have known this information for years yet the FDA doesn’t have a clue.

Read on to learn how dyes cross the blood-brain barrier…

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Michelle Schoffro Cook, MSc, PhD, RNCP, ROHP

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

JL A.

7:17AM PDT on Mar 31, 2013

makes sense

March 31
send a green star

devon l.

6:38PM PDT on Jul 25, 2012

It's really so insane how we (collectively) keep buying these products that are pumped full of poisonous food coloring. Personally I'm sensitive to them, so I avoid them. I would be thrilled if they were done away with. Artificial food coloring is of no value at all.

July 25
send a green star

Donna H.

2:09PM PDT on Jun 3, 2012

Thanks for the info.

June 3
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Ann F.

10:10PM PDT on Apr 15, 2012

My children are in their mid to late 30's and their was a big list of things banned from our household. Lots of fruit & vegies were on the to eat list & water & fresh juice to drink.

April 15
send a green star

jane r.

8:26AM PDT on Jun 12, 2011

Good info.

June 12
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Maritza F.

8:03PM PDT on Apr 9, 2011

The dyes stay in the liver ...eat more fruits and veggies.
No to dyes in food

April 9
send a green star

Jeanne J.

4:53PM PDT on Apr 8, 2011

Good info..

April 8
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CC R.

5:56PM PDT on Apr 7, 2011

i had no idea that that was wat made kids like this these days thats somehting i need to have alot less of now i guess

April 7
send a green star

Kathleen W.

10:37AM PDT on Apr 6, 2011

Very interesting!

April 6
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Lika S.

2:21AM PDT on Apr 5, 2011

You want kids to eat healthy and make it fun? Do fruit salad. Red strawberries, blue berries, deep red cherries, pink watermelon, orange cantaloupe, green grapes and/or kiwi, golden pineapple, etc... make a salad out of it.

Same with the veggies, do the dark leaf lettuce, with different color tomatoes, slivered bell peppers & carrots, as well as cubed cucumber. Add a miso paste salad dressing, and it's fun to eat because it's colorful.

Do "ants on a log" where you put peanut butter on celery ribs then press raisins on it. Fajitas are fun too, with the tortillas and the different colored bell peppers and onions in there.