Artificial Food Colors as Enhancers of Hyperactivity in Children

Abstract or Introduction

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, short ADHD: Who has not yet heard this term, especially when it comes to children? Over the last decade the number of children diagnosed with this disease has risen significantly (in the United States from 7.8% in 2003 to 11.0% in 2011. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). But although this diagnosis becomes more and more common, there is still a lot that we do not know about its causes and right treatment. Not only does the right medication help to guarantee children a normal development, but research also found out that the right diet can have a positive effect on the symptoms of hyperactivity. Artificial food colors in particular have been named again and again in this context. This essay focuses on the most important research concerning the field of artificial food colors and their impact on children with hyperactivity: There are several studies which suggest a link between an increase of hyperactive behavior and certain artificial food colors, and while some countries have already taken steps to remove the tested colors from child nutrition, others still deny their potential danger. This shows how important a more thorough investigation of this topic is and that the restrictions concerning artificial colors in food for children should be revised everywhere.