Well, as you may or may not be aware, attention deficit [hyperactivity] disorder (ADD or ADHD) is a condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that is primarily observed in children and was first described in the medical literature in 1902. Globally, ADD and ADHD are thought to affect about 5 percent of children, and boys are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. The likelihood of a child growing up in the United States being diagnosed with ADD or ADHD is even higher than the global average with about 8 percent of children affected.[fn value=1][/fn] Studies indicate that many children who might display some behavioral problems become especially problematic only after exposure to a trigger such as artificial colors.[fn value=2][/fn]

As this disorder has become more common in our society, scientists, doctors, and parents have sought ways to cope with and help children who have ADD and ADHD. In the 1950s, stimulant-like drugs became the treatment of choice, and pharmacological treatments have dominated ever since. However, in the 1970s one researcher proposed that it was artificial colors and food additives that were actually driving this hyperactivity by acting as stimulants in some children.

Research over the following decades has strongly supported the idea that removing foods containing these artificial colors and other additives from children’s diets would support healthy attention spans; in fact studies dating back to the 90s show evidence for this concept. For example, a study in 1994 showed that out of 26 children with ADHD, 19 responded favorably to removing artificial colors from their diets.[fn value=3][/fn] Despite studies showing promising evidence that these chemicals pose a risk for children, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed food manufacturers to increase the amount of these artificial colors and flavors added to our foods year after year. For example, the amount certified per capita per day by the FDA has gone from 12 milligrams per person per day in 1950 to 62 milligrams per person per day in 2012.

Many people dismissed the research that was originally published showing that artificial colors could cause hyperactivity in some (especially sensitive) children. One study published showed several children reacting to being fed cookies containing 26 milligrams of artificial colors. However, the authors of that study concluded, “It is relatively certain that the amount of artificial colors in a commercial food would be a fraction of the amount in the challenge cookies.”[fn value=4][/fn](p813) Other studies challenging children with 100-150 milligrams of artificial colors showed high percentages (over 50 percent) of children reacting negatively to these ingredients. These studies and others led the European Union to require foods containing artificial colors to carry a warning label stating that the product may cause hyperactivity in children.[fn value=1][/fn] This, combined with consumer demand, has resulted in many large food companies creating specific European versions of their packaged foods, cereals and candies so as to avoid this issue altogether. However, in the United States much of this research was dismissed, as it was thought these levels would never be reached in the average diet, and foods containing these ingredients continue to be sold across the country with no warning labels.[fn value=5][/fn]

While the idea that children don’t consume enough artificial colors to result in adverse reactions has dominated the research for several decades, a recently published study gives us a better idea of how much artificial colors children might actually be consuming. This study published by researchers at Purdue University showed that consuming 100 milligrams of artificial colors, the threshold that was so problematic for many children, could easily be reached by consuming foods commonly marketed to children. For example, a child consuming two cans of orange or red soda (90 milligrams of artificial colors), a bowl of artificially colored cereal (40 milligrams of artificial colors), and a few handfuls of chocolate candy coated with a candy shell (30 milligrams of artificial colors) in a day could easily consume well over 200 milligrams of artificial colors (not to mention a copious amount of sugar!).[fn value=6][/fn]

In the United States, nine different artificial food colors are approved for use in foods by the FDA. Of these, four are commonly used (FD&C Red #40 [Allura Red], Yellow #5 [Tartrazine], Yellow #6 [Sunset Yellow], and Blue #1 [Brilliant Blue]), three are rarely used (FD&C Blue #2, Green #3, and Red #3), and two are no longer used (Citrus Red #2 and Orange B). Artificial colors can also be bound to aluminum or other metals to color some foods; these are known as Lakes. Yellow #5 is used to color many beverages yellow, while Lake Yellow #5 is used to color icings and candies.[fn value=6][/fn]

Beverages constitute the largest source of artificial colors in the typical American diet, not only because they are often colored vividly, but also because they are consumed in large quantities. Many colorful ready-to-eat cereals also contain artificial colors, as do popsicles, ice cream and sherbets, puddings, cakes, snack bars and cookies, boxed lunches and dinners, syrups, snacks, candies, and sauces.[fn value=6][/fn]

Concerned about artificial colors and the potential for these chemicals to negatively affect your child’s attention span? Read the ingredients list on any packaged foods and see if these foods contain any of the artificial colors listed above. Also, know that here at Natural Grocers, we do not sell any products that contain artificial colors, so you never have to worry if you shop with us. By purchasing foods not made with these ingredients, you are effectively voting with your dollar; food companies are starting to listen and remove these things from our food supply. Score one for the food revolution!

NOTHING IN THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED AS, OR SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS, MEDICAL ADVICE. ANY HEALTHCARE AND/OR NUTRITIONAL MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS FOR CONSUMER INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. SUCH MATERIAL IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE FOR CONDITIONS OR TREATMENT, NOR IS IT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A MEDICAL EXAMINATION BY A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. CONSUMERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS FOR INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS.