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Artificial Food Colours May Cause Hyperactivity In Children |
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Written by Neil Simmons
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Friday, 07 September 2007 |
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Artificial colours used to make food attractive and tasty may be dangerous to the health of children as they have been linked to hyperactivity, according to new research commissioned by the Food Standards Agency of the UK.
Earlier studies had linked artificial food colours to behavioural problems in children, but this is the first study commissioned by the FSA to investigate any link between the two. Hyperactivity in children was used to mean over-activity, inattention and impulsivity for study purposes.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is the extreme form of hyperactivity and is linked to genes, premature birth, environment and upbringing. However hyperactivity results in loss of concentration and impulsive behaviour in children.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurological conditions found in children, according to the background information contained in the FSA release. This study was a follow-up of an earlier study commissioned by the UK government to study the effect of artificial food colourings and preservatives (AFCPs) on children's behaviour.
The FSA said the results of that study proved unreliable because parents observed the effects on children and that these were not confirmed by independent observers and clinicians. Furthermore the earlier study showed a strong "Placebo" effect in that many children appeared to be fine with additives, but developed problems when given placebos.
Therefore the current study was designed keeping in mind guidelines issued by the Food Additives and Behaviour in Children (FABIC) working group and the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT).
In the new study researchers from the University of Southampton examined the effect of additives on the behaviour of three-year-olds and eight or nine-year-olds. Around 120 three-year old children and 120 eight/nine-year olds were selected for the study. They were given drinks that contained two separate mixtures or additives or a placebo.
The study used two mixes of artificial colours:
Mix A replicated the food colours and preservatives used in a previous study and contained:
* Sunset yellow (E110): This colour is found primarily in squashes
* Tartrazine (E102): Found in fizzy drinks as well as lollies
* Carmoisine (E122): Imparts red colour to jellies
* Ponceau 4R (E124): Red colour used in
* Sodium benzoate (E211): It is a preservative used in additives
Mix B consisted of:
* Sunset yellow (E110)
* Quinoline yellow (E104): Yellow colour to certain foodstuffs
* Carmoisine (E122)
* Allura red (E129) : Imparts Orange or red colours
* Sodium benzoate (E211)
The FSA said sodium benzoate was included as this additive is also widely used in soft drinks currently sold to children in the UK.
Researchers found that Mix A caused significant behavioural changes in the sample of 3 year old children as compared to a placebo. However increased hyperactivity was not observed with Mix B.
On the other hand, Mix B caused hyperactivity in 8-year old children as compared to a placebo. However Mix A did not have the same effect.
The results of the study are published in The Lancet and were also presented to the independent Committee on Toxicity (COT) for evaluation.
"Whilst this research does not prove that the colours used in the study actually cause increased hyperactivity in children, it provides supporting evidence for a link. It is important to stress that the currently available evidence does not identify whether this association would be restricted to certain food additives or combinations of them," said Professor Ieuan Hughes, Chair of the COT.
Dr Andrew Wadge, the FSA’s Chief Scientist, said that the study was helpful in identifying another factor that could alter children's behaviour.
"After considering the COT’s opinion on the research findings we have revised our advice to consumers: if a child shows signs of hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) then eliminating the colours used in the Southampton study from their diet might have some beneficial effects," he added.
While the study does show a link between additives and hyperactivity, it is too early to say anything conclusive. It appears that reducing additives in foods might help children, but parents must always remember to consult their doctor before changing their children's diet.
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