Study Finds No Link Between Food Colors, ADHD

PORTLAND, Ore.There is not enough scientific data to support a link between FDA-approved food colors and the increased incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to results of a new meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. The results indicate food colors may promote ADHD symptoms, but when the data is limited to FDA-approved colors, the link is no longer reliable.

For the meta-analysis, researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University and the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) identified studies through a literature search using the PubMed, Cochrane Library and PsycNET databases through February 2011. Twenty-four publications met inclusion criteria for synthetic food colors; 10 additional studies informed analysis of dietary restriction. A random-effects meta-analytic model generated summary effect sizes.

Data suggested information from parents indicate an effect of food colors on ADHD; however, it was not found to be a reliable link when teacher input was calculated or when the analysis was limited to FDA-approved food colors.

They found an estimated 8% of children with ADHD may have symptoms related to synthetic food colors. The researchers noted renewed investigation of diet and ADHD is warranted.

The European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2010 to re-evaluate the safety of all previously authorized food additives, including colors, by 2020, taking into account the latest science. Based on EFSAs scientific advice, the European Commission and Member States may decide together to change the uses of additives or if needed to remove them from the EU list of authorized food additives in order to protect consumers. Food colors are being re-evaluated first as they were among the first additives to be authorized for use in the EU.

The United States has two main categories of food color additives: certified and exempt. According to FDA, color additives are safe when used properly. The FDA allows the use of colors that it knows have a reasonable certainty of no harm" for the intended use. Color additives that have been found to cause cancer in animals or humans are not allowed for use in FDA-regulated products.

For more information on the topic, check out Food Colors and ADHD" in the Food Product Design Content Library.