Food Additives and Hyperactivity

The relationship between food additves and behaviour is controversial.   A new study has provided evidence for increased hyperactive behaviour in children aged 3 years and 8/9 years when given a mix food colourings and the preservative sodium benzoate.

Food additives are often said to  affect behaviour resulting in overactivity, lack of concentration and impulsiveness ( hyperactivity). A randomized controlled study of 153 3 year old children and 144 8/9 year old children drawn from the general community ( they were not diagnosed as hyperactive) were given challenge drinks to test whether food additives affected their behaviour. The challenge drinks contained the preservative sodium benzoate and the artificial colours  sunset yellow, carmoisine, tartrazine and ponceau ( Mix A) or sodium benzoate and the artifical colours sunset yellow, carmoisine, quinoline yellow and allura red ( Mix B) or a placebo mix.  The dose of additives was similar to that found in 2 56g bags of sweets. Behaviour was measured using the Global Hyperactivity Aggregate based on behaviours observed by parents and teachers. Older children also completed a computerised test of attention.   In the 3 year old children Mix A, but not mix B compared to the placebo, resulted in significant adverse affects on their  behaviour.  Both Mix A and B compared to the placebo  adversely affected the behaviour of children 8/9 years.

These results show artificial colours and/or sodium benzoate affect the behaviour of young children ( 3 years) and this persists into middle childhood (8/9 years). Removing these additives from the diets of children diagnosed as hyperactive can be a feasible treatment option. The additives used in the study are permitted in the the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code. Questions now arise as to whether these additives should be allowed, or permitted amounts reduced, in foods commonly eaten by children. Heinz infant foods do not contain artificial colours or flavours or preservatives.

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