Food Dyes Can Likely Cause Hyperactivity

December 10, 2024

Children exposed to food dyes are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD

When you think of food dyes, you might picture the vibrant colors in candies, cereals, and drinks that kids love. These synthetic dyes are everywhere, from breakfast cereals and snack foods to juice drinks and vitamins. The food dyes currently approved by the FDA include Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 3, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Citrus Red 2, and Orange B. But just three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) make up a whopping 90% of all dyes used in the U.S. food supply. Companies favor them because they’re bright, long-lasting, and cheap compared to natural alternatives.

However, food dyes are derived from coal tar and petroleum and have been linked to potential health risks, from carcinogens to hypersensitivity reactions. Concerns are growing over their effects on children, especially as kids are exposed to multiple synthetic dyes daily through sugary drinks, candies, and other brightly colored treats. The connection between synthetic food dyes and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been one of the most talked about issues in particular for children’s health.

What does the research say?

The connection between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children has been the subject of growing concern and scientific investigation. A 2004 study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that children showed significant reductions in hyperactive behavior when artificial food colorings were removed from their diets. When dyes were reintroduced, their hyperactivity levels increased again, a pattern supported by parental observations. 17 years later, a report from California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment confirmed that synthetic food dyes could trigger hyperactivity and concentration difficulties in some children, though sensitivity levels varied from child to child.

Several studies employed rigorous designs, placing children on dye-free diets for weeks before reintroducing dyes in controlled doses. These studies revealed that even small amounts of synthetic dyes (as little as 1 mg per day) could lead to increased inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness in sensitive children. While not all kids are affected, an estimated 8% of those with ADHD appeared to have symptoms exacerbated by synthetic food dyes. A 2013 meta-analysis also suggests that excluding artificial colors from diets can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms, particularly in children predisposed to food sensitivities.

Animal studies echo these findings, linking synthetic dyes to changes in brain neurotransmitters, memory, learning, and even brain structure. Moreover, according to a comprehensive CSPI report, specific dyes such as Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, and Blue 1 have been shown to cause hypersensitivity reactions and potentially trigger hyperactivity in children.

Public health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have weighed in, recommending that eliminating synthetic dyes from children’s diets may be beneficial. Countries in Europe have taken a precautionary approach by banning or requiring warning labels on foods containing certain dyes. In contrast, the United States continues to allow their use despite mounting evidence of their effects on behavior.

 Why are some food dyes that are banned in Europe still in the U.S.?

The reason food dyes banned in Europe are still allowed in the U.S. boils down to differences in regulations and industry priorities. In Europe, governments take a precautionary approach—if there’s evidence that a substance might cause harm, it’s removed from the food supply. For instance, food dyes linked to hyperactivity in children or potential cancer in lab animals were phased out or now require warning labels like, “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” Many European companies reformulated their products with natural alternatives, such as pumpkin or carrot extracts, to comply with these stricter rules.

In contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) focuses on whether the levels of dyes in food are likely to cause harm, and their regulations have been based on older studies. These studies—often 35 to 70 years old—didn’t account for modern concerns like behavioral effects in children. The FDA argues that the levels approved for consumption are far below the doses that caused issues in lab animals. Because of this, U.S. companies continue using synthetic dyes, claiming they’re safe and cost-effective. As a result, popular foods and drinks like Fanta, which are colored with natural extracts in the UK, still use synthetic dyes like Yellow 5 in the U.S.

The lack of incentive to update regulations or conduct long-term studies also plays a role. The FDA has yet to revise its guidelines despite growing evidence of behavioral and neurological effects in children. Meanwhile, the food industry defends synthetic dyes, arguing that current research doesn’t conclusively prove a causal link to health problems. Without consumer pressure or stricter regulations, these dyes remain common in the U.S., even as other countries opt for safer alternatives.

Progress and Challenges in Banning Harmful Food Dyes

Progress toward banning harmful food dyes in the U.S. has been slow, but California has been leading the charge with groundbreaking legislation. The California Food Safety Act (AB418) and the California School Food Safety Act (AB2316) are setting a precedent by targeting harmful synthetic dyes and chemicals in food. While these efforts are promising, the rest of the U.S. still has a long way to go in addressing this issue.

The FDA has been taking steps to create a systematic process for assessing chemicals in food after they’ve hit the market. However, many advocates hope the agency will follow California’s lead by prohibiting dangerous synthetic dyes outright. Until stronger regulations are in place, consumers are encouraged to read labels and steer clear of food dyes with numbers in their names.

On the bright side, there’s been a growing shift toward natural food colorings as consumer demand for cleaner, healthier products increases. Many companies, especially in Europe, have already swapped synthetic dyes for safer options like beta-carotene, paprika, beet juice, and turmeric. While the trend is less robust in the U.S., some brands are recognizing the appeal of “All Natural” labels and beginning to make similar changes. Advocacy efforts, like a 2008 petition by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) to ban food dyes, continue to push for broader reform, though significant progress from the FDA remains to be seen.

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