ADHD, Food Coloring and Additives
A recent British study found that certain artificial colorings and preservatives commonly found in sweets and beverages can increase hyperactivity in children with and without ADHD.
Whether or not there is a relationship between food colorings and additives has been controversial for many years. In 1975, Dr. Benjamin Feingold proposed that synthetic flavorings and colors in the diet might be a cause of hyperactivity, and proposed an elimination diet, the Feingold Diet. Dr. Feingold's opinions were not based upon research studies, but on his own clinical experience. In response, the federal government funded several large research studies. The results of these and other studies have consistently found that elimination diets are not generally effective for treating hyperactivity except in about 1% of children.
Occasionally a parent will feel that her child is more hyperactive after eating sweets, Kool-Aid, or certain cereals and foods, or after taking medications with red or yellow dyes. This might be a child who does respond to an elimination diet with reduced hyperactivity. However, most core symptoms of ADHD would remain (inattention, distractibility, problems with planning, organization, time management, and follow-through) and would still need treatment.
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Technorati Tags: adhd, additives, hyperactivity
Whether or not there is a relationship between food colorings and additives has been controversial for many years. In 1975, Dr. Benjamin Feingold proposed that synthetic flavorings and colors in the diet might be a cause of hyperactivity, and proposed an elimination diet, the Feingold Diet. Dr. Feingold's opinions were not based upon research studies, but on his own clinical experience. In response, the federal government funded several large research studies. The results of these and other studies have consistently found that elimination diets are not generally effective for treating hyperactivity except in about 1% of children.
Occasionally a parent will feel that her child is more hyperactive after eating sweets, Kool-Aid, or certain cereals and foods, or after taking medications with red or yellow dyes. This might be a child who does respond to an elimination diet with reduced hyperactivity. However, most core symptoms of ADHD would remain (inattention, distractibility, problems with planning, organization, time management, and follow-through) and would still need treatment.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: adhd, additives, hyperactivity
