Food Additives Provoke Hyperactive Behavior

In a study that many parents of kids diagnosed with ADHD might consider old news, researchers at the University of Southampton, England, found that some common food additives stimulated ADHD symptoms in children. Many CAM practitioners already advise elimination of artificial colorings and preservatives from the diet of kids diagnosed with ADHD; however, the recent article, published in the Sept. 6, 2007, issue of The Lancet, confirmed this common practice. In the six-week trial, Jim Stevenson and his colleagues found that when children (two groups - age 3 and ages 8-9) were given a drink that included the preservative sodium benzoate and mixes of food colorings they experienced significantly more hyperactive behavior, rated by teachers and parents. Control groups were given the drinks without additives, and fared better on behavioral assessments.

McCann D, Barrett A, Cooper A, et al. Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet; published online Sept. 6, 2007.