To date, no conclusive evidence has been found to show that food coloring causes ADHD. Some studies, though, have suggested an association between the two. Most likely, ADHD is caused by the combination of changes in brain structure, environmental factors, and heredity.
Artificial food colors are not a main cause of ADHD, but they may contribute significantly to some cases, and in some cases may additively push a youngster over the diagnostic threshold. A direct release of histamine (in response to artificial food colors) may be involved.
Based on research, including Nigg's own review of the literature in 2012, synthetic food dyes do cause increased hyperactivity.
Although the evidence is still considered inconclusive, numerous studies have shown that food dyes can worsen behavior in some children.
How does red dye 40 affect behavior? Research shows that red dye 40 has been linked to increased ADHD symptoms in certain children. The increased symptoms include hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Red dye 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. Research has shown that it is linked to certain ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, and may also cause other neurobehavioral effects in children. People can check for red dye 40 on food labels if they wish to limit their intake.
Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.
But some studies have linked artificial food dyes like red dye 40 to hyperactivity, including ADHD. Some studies show a link between dyes and increased ADHD or hyperactivity in children. And other studies show an improvement in behavior and attention once the dyes were eliminated.
A new report from the California EPA concluded that synthetic food dyes can lead to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems like inattentiveness and restlessness in some children–and that children seem to vary in their sensitivity to food dyes.
Choose a peaceful color.
Orange encourages creativity and may chase away the blues. To reduce anxiety, go with warm earth tones. Blue hues are known for slowing down the heart rate, reducing respiratory rhythm, and encouraging calm and focus. In general, stick with muted or pastel shades, and avoid primary colors.
People with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine. As such, they may be more “wired” to seek dopamine out. Since eating simple carbohydrates (such as high-sugar foods) triggers a rush of dopamine in the brain, this may be why people with ADHD tend to hyperfixate or binge on these foods.
ADHD and Light Sensitivity, Photophobia
In addition, persons with ADHD also report strong sensitivity to bright light, known as photophobia. In fact, a 2014 study found that nearly 70% of individuals self-identified as photophobic—more than twice the number of people without ADHD symptoms.
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder which is associated with delayed cortical maturation in many regions, including the occipital cortex. Specifically, color perception has been reported to be altered in ADHD population (appendix B).
In Australia and New Zealand, this artificial red colour is not permitted to be added to confectionery. However, it is permitted in countries where the samples were manufactured (China, India, USA, and Thailand).
Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5 food dyes
They have been theorized to exacerbate attentional problems in children, leading EU regulators to mandate that product makers say dyes could cause 'an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.
The studies that were reviewed in this article show that diet, especially consumption of artificial food coloring, produces statistically significant increases in ADHD symptoms in children.
Food additives: Aspartame, food coloring, dyes
The fact is that dyes and artificial sweeteners are neurotoxins that can disrupt normal nervous system function, leading to increased symptoms of anxiety.
Coloring is a healthy way to relieve stress. It calms the brain and helps your body relax. This can improve sleep and fatigue while decreasing body aches, heart rate, respiration, and feelings of depression and anxiety.
Foods rich in protein — lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products — can have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms. Protein-rich foods are used by the body to make neurotransmitters, the chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other.
Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.