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Health 52
Info Tip:
Food Coloring and Hyperactivity
Artificial coloring in food is something that many parents overlook when
looking for the source of a food reaction or allergy that may be linked to
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD.
ADHD makes it difficult to control one’s own behavior and pay attention. It
affects adults as well as children, but is most often diagnosed in the early
school-aged years. ADHD can make it difficult for a child to learn; an ADHD
child can also disrupt an entire classroom.
Artificial coloring used to make bright colors in children’s foods such as
fruit punch, gelatin and colorful cereal can increase hyperactivity in
children, according to the results of a community-based, randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge study published in a recent
issue of British medical journal The Lancet. Many parents have turned to the
additive-free Feingold diet as a way to naturally control hyperactive
behavior in their children. Severe behavioral issues should be brought to
the attention of a doctor who can help with an accurate diagnosis and
effective treatment plan.
Meanwhile, parents who notice a connection between behavior and food may
want to take a closer look at the artificially colorful food sources in
their child’s diet.
Sources: Feingold Association,
Medscape
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