Food Coloring and Your Child's Behavior?

June 3, 2008— -- The Center for Science in the Public Interest called on the Food and Drug Administration to ban artificial coloring in all U.S. foods, claiming that artificial coloring is behind the rise in kids' behavioral problems, like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Though the claim is a controversial one, some concerned families may be looking for ways to reduce their intake of the food dyes which the center wants to ban (Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3 and Yellow 6.) The easiest way may be to check the labels. Judy Mann, who was mentioned in tonight's story, found there are many products that have dye-free choices such as white cheddar Cheetos as well as different versions of macaroni and cheese or tortilla chips.

Being Aware of Food Coloring

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has compiled this list of food additives and colorings along with their possibly associated risks. Click here for a press release detailing the group's findings. ABC News points out that the organization's findings have not yet been supported by conclusive evidence and research.

According to the National Resource Center on AD/HD, there is "some accumulating evidence" that a problem related to AD/HD may be "sensitivity to food or additives such as colorings and preservatives." The Web site continues: "Several controlled double-blind studies suggest that these might be important for a minority of children with ADHD, and a couple of controlled studies suggest a small effect on all children whether or not they have ADHD. Further research on this connection is warranted." Click here to read more about the causes of AD/HD.

General Information about AD/HD

The National Resource Center is a program of CHADD, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Click here to read about CHADD.

You may want to locate your local CHADD chapter or contact CHADD for support or resources related to mental health disorder.

Click here for fact sheets on AD/HD compiled by the National Resource Center on AD/HD.