February 5, 2015 Dr. Edward Group, DC

Food Dyes & ADHD: Is There A Connection?

Four bottles of food dye. Studies show that there is a connection between food dyes and ADHD.

Before you feed your child that pack of brightly-colored gummy bears, you may want to think again. Your children may love the fun colors of those sweet, chewy morsels, but most are laced with toxic food dyes.

According to a report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, studies done on food dyes have found a connection between multiple health imbalances, as well as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children.^[1] The food dyes covered in the report are Blue Numbers 1 & 2, Citrus Red 2, Green 3, Red 3 & 40, and Yellow 5 & 6.

Food dyes are coloring agents commonly added to processed foods. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is concerned that the FDA has approved different food dyes known to be detrimental to health in both animal and human studies. Additionally, several clinical studies have found a link between food dyes and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).^{[2, 3]}

According to the United States Food & Drug Administration, more than 3,000 substances (including dyes and colorants) are added to foods in the United States, and many of these have not been fully tested for safety.^[4] These substances include preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifiers, nutrients for enrichment, and colors.^[5] Natural foods without added chemicals are always a superior choice for optimal health and wellness.

Are Food Dyes Toxic?

Food dyes change the color of food but add no health benefits. What’s more, food dyes very well may have toxic effects on behavior and overall health, especially for children.

Since 2010, the European Union has required that all foods containing certain food dyes include this warning - "This product may hurt activity and attention in children." In 2009, the United Kingdom (UK) government voluntarily asked food companies to stop using six dyes that their scientists found problematic.^{[1, 6]}

In the United States, manufacturers are not required to include any warning even though these same potentially neurotoxic food dyes are sold in foods.^[1]The FDA has looked into the safety of some of these nine dyes and other ingredients, but even when they have publicly investigated and reported a health concern, they still have not moved to ban them.^[1]

Case in point: the FDA recognized that Red No. 3 caused thyroid cancer in animals and has banned Red No. 3 "lakes" (dyes that are not soluble and used in low-moisture foods) and in cosmetics, but still allows them in foods and drugs. Why the discrepancy, FDA? You can eat some Red No. 3 dye today in a maraschino cherry, sausage casing, or candies^[1] (However, we recommend not).

What is more, every year, food production companies are adding more and more chemicals and dyes to our food to innovate and stimulate new potential markets – namely, children.

Food dyes offer no health benefits to human beings and are merely added to cover up bland coloration, making the food more "attractive" in appearance. Of course, this "attraction" is usually geared towards getting vulnerable children to eat these foods. Children are at the highest risk for toxicity from food dyes and their chemical carcinogens which lead to ADHD because of their small size and still-developing bodies and brains.^{[1, 2,} ^3]

Bernard Weiss, the late professor of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center has expressed frustration that the FDA has not acted on ample research despite a connection between behavioral issues and food dyes. Weiss joined a national debate on the issue, and as a result of this national conversation, some companies changed to more natural food colors. One example: in 2015 Kraft replaced harmful Yellow Numbers 5 and 6 with turmeric and paprika spices to color their famous macaroni and cheese.^[7]

Other Health Risks of Food Dyes

ADHD and cancer are not our only concerns surrounding these food additives. The foods dyes typically appear in are usually processed foods and often higher in fats, calories, sugars and other additives than more natural foods. There is some research connecting food dyes and obesity.^[8] Below are some health concerns with common food dyes. Further complicating the issue, most research on food dyes has been conducted by either the food industry or the chemical industry. Independent academic research is needed to get clear answers. In the absence of decades of study, I believe we should all follow the precautionary principle which states:

"When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically"^[9]

Blue 1 Research has suggested this food coloring poses a small cancer risk and is linked to kidney tumors in mice; however more testing is needed. Other studies have linked it with nerve concerns.
Blue No. 2 Commonly used to color drinks candy, and baked goods, this dye has been linked to brain glioma tumors in male rats. Despite the research, the FDA has stated that Blue 2 has a "reasonable certainty of no harm," although the Center for Science in the Public Interest says that it should be banned from foods.
Red No. 3 The bright red dye was banned in 1990 by the FDA for use in cosmetics and other products but is still allowed in foods and drugs. It is commonly found in maraschino cherries, sausage casings, and margarita mix. It has been shown to cause thyroid tumors and cancer in rats.
Red No. 40 The food coloring is one of the most commonly used dyes Red 40 may cause allergy-like reactions, and may trigger hyperactivity in children. CSPI believes that since healthy, natural alternatives exist, it should be banned.
Yellow No. 5 This is the second most commonly-used food dye on the market. Research has shown that it may actually trigger hyperactivity in children, as well as cause allergy-like hypersensitivity reactions. It's also important to note that this dye is sometimes contaminated with cancer-causing substances.
Yellow No. 6 Can be found in everything from hot dogs to gelatin and has been shown to contain carcinogens, and may have a relationship to adrenal and kidney malfunction.
Green No. 3 This food coloring is not widely used anymore, but research has linked it to tumors in the bladder and testes of rats. The FDA also considers this one to be safe, and it can be found in candy and beverages.

How do we create these bright food dyes that go into so many boxed, bagged and canned foods? It may surprise you to learn that dyes are made up of some pretty disgusting chemical combinations, including benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, and even synthesized petroleum by-products.

Dr. L. Eugene Arnold, a child psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD and autism, tells ABC News:

"If something is safe, easy, cheap and sensible to do, you don't need as much evidence to take action. In this case, the action would be to remove artificial food dyes from foods targeted to kids. Dyes are not an essential food group. We have an obesity epidemic; it's not necessary to make food more attractive. The sole purpose of the dyes is to make food more attractive."

What Is the Solution?

Lobby your government representatives to push for the removal of toxic dyes
Get educated about what is in your food
Use your purchasing power and avoid foods with toxic dyes
Write to companies expressing your views
Buy organic, but still look for dyes
Cleanse and detox your body to remove accumulated chemicals

After reading about the slow movement of the FDA on food dyes, you may want to throw up your hands in frustration. But you have more power than you think.

Your purchasing power – what you spend your money on and what you don’t – has a big influence on companies. Do your research. Learn how to read food labels, and learn what those ingredients are in the foods you buy. Avoid ones that have toxic food coloring, as well as preservatives and other unnecessary additives. Better yet, buy more natural, unprocessed foods. Stores even add food dyes to red meats to keep them looking fresh, so be aware of these issues. Organic products have more regulations they must follow and are healthier options – but they still may contain food dyes.

Beyond your purchasing power, you can write letters to companies or your government representatives to let them know your thoughts on these matters. And companies do respond to consumer pressure, whether spearheaded by small grassroots mom and pop organizations or larger nonprofits.

Companies may claim that it’s too costly or difficult to change their food manufacturing processes, but these arguments are hollow. The truth is that food companies have easily adapted to changing markets in Europe. Kellogg’s, McDonald’s, Nestle and Kraft all have versions of the same products in the UK and Europe that use natural food colors, yet in the U.S. they still sell the versions with toxic dyes.^[1]. Inform yourself about what is in your food.

Eat organic foods, drink purified water, read the labels on all foods you buy and cleanse your body regularly. And, to learn more about the "Rainbow of Risks," I recommend reading this PDF report ^[1] from the Center of Science in the Public Interest. It will give you even more in-depth information about which food dyes you should avoid and why.

References (9)

Sarah Kobylewski PhD, Michael F. Jacobson PhD. "Food dyes: a rainbow of risks (PDF)." Center for Science in the Public Interest. 2010 June.
Schab DW, Trinh NH. "Do artificial food colors promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactive syndromes? A meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials." J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2004;25(6),423-34.
Jacobson MF, Schardt D. "Diet, ADHD & Behavior." Center for Science in the Public Interest. 1999. Accessed 17 Apr. 2018.
"Everything Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS)." U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Updated 4 Jan. 2018. Accessed 17 Apr. 2018.
"Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors." U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Updated 7 Feb. 2018. Accessed 17 Apr. 2018.
"Food Colours." European Food Safety Authority. Accessed 17 Apr. 2018.
"URMC Professor Emeritus and Pioneer of Neurotoxicology Dies at 92." 24 Jan. 2018. rochester.edu. Accessed 17 Apr. 2018.
Simmons AL, et al. "What Are We Putting in Our Food That Is Making Us Fat? Food Additives, Contaminants, and Other Putative Contributors to Obesity." Curr Obes Rep. 2014; 3(2),273–285.
Kriebel D, et al. "The Precautionary Principle in Environmental Science." Env Health Perspect. 109(9),871-876.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

Posted in: Green Living > Hidden Dangers, Green Living > Public Health, Health, Nutrition > Foods > Foods to Avoid,

Dr. Edward Group, DC

FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.