End Fatigue

Artificial Food Colors and Additives Increase Hyperactivity in Children

In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial involving 297 children, eating artificial food colors and food additives was found to increase hyperactive behavior. Children were given a drink containing sodium benzoate and one of 2 artificial food color mixes or a placebo. Results found that compared with placebo, one mix significantly worsened hyperactivity compared with placebo for both the 3-year olds and the 8-year olds. The second mix was only found to have such an effect in the 8-year old children. These results suggest that consumption of foods containing artificial colors or sodium benzoate increases hyperactive behavior in children.

Reference:

"Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial," McCann D, Barrett A, et al, Lancet 2007; 370(9598): 1560-7.