Synthetic food colourings and 'hyperactivity': a double-blind crossover study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Behavioral Science
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Hyperactivity is a common concern in children.
• The Feingold diet, which excludes artificial food colorings, has been proposed as a dietary intervention.
• Previous studies suggest a link between artificial food colorings and behavioral changes in some children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Feingold diet in children with suspected hyperactivity.
• To investigate the specific effects of synthetic food colorings (tartrazine and carmoisine) on behavior in a subset of children.

Main Methods:

• A 6-week Feingold diet trial was conducted with 55 children.
• A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study with 8 children was performed to assess reactions to tartrazine and carmoisine.
• Children were challenged with 50 mg of food colorings or placebo over 18 weeks.

Main Results:

• 72.7% of children showed improved behavior on the Feingold diet, with 47.3% remaining improved after 3-6 months.
• Two children were identified as significant reactors to synthetic food colorings, exhibiting irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbance.
• One reactor did not present with inattention, challenging strict diagnostic criteria for hyperactivity.

Conclusions:

• The Feingold diet can be effective for managing behavioral issues in children with suspected hyperactivity.
• Synthetic food colorings may trigger adverse behavioral responses in sensitive children.
• Current diagnostic criteria for hyperactivity may overlook children sensitive to food dyes, suggesting a need for specific behavioral assessment tools for dye challenges.