Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence, Environmental Health, 2022, April

“Together, the human clinical trials and animal toxicology literature support an association between synthetic food dyes and behavioral impacts in children.”

Artificial food coloring affects EEG power and ADHD symptoms in college students with ADHD: A pilot study, Kirkland et.al., Nutritional Neuroscience, 2020

“This is the first study to test the effects of AFC (artificial colors) in young adults…this study uses the largest dose (225 mg) of combined AFC to date, an amount that is still physiologically appropriate and able to be consumed by an adult which eating normal food products.”

Federal labeling requirement may explain lower autistic and ADHD prevalence in the United Kingdom, Dufault, Integrated Food, Nutrition and Metabolism, 2018

The prevalence of autism is 11 children per thousand in the United States, while it is only 4 per thousand in the U.K.  In the U.S. 9.4% of children have an ADHD diagnosis but in the U.K. it is just 1.5%.  The author credits the European law that requires warning labels required on foods with certain dyes, enabling parents to avoid them.

The effects of dietary education on ADHD, a randomized controlled clinical trial.  Ghanizadeh, Annals of General Psychiatry, March 2015

The study found a “significant relationship” between a healthier diet and measurement of attention in children with ADHD.

Nutrition, immunological mechanisms and dietary immunomodulation in ADHD, Verlaet, European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, July 2014

The author describes diet as a “safe and low-cost ADHD therapy.”

The influence of components of diet on the symptoms of ADHD in children, Konikowska, Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny (Polish journal), 2012

.“Results of food research suggest that food additives and salicylates may aggravate hyperactive behavior [in] children.”

Effects of a restricted elimination diet on the behaviour of children with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder: a randomized controlled trial study, Pessler, The Lancet, Feb 2011

.“…dietary intervention is the standard of care for all children with ADHD.”

The Potential Health Hazard of Tartrazine and Levels of Hyperactivity, Anxiety-Like Symptoms, Depression and Anti-social Behaviour in Rats, Kamel MM, El-lethey HS, Journal of American Science, 2011

“This study provides sufficient scientific evidence that a causal link truly exists between tartrazine and inflection of hyperactivity, anxiety and depression-like behaviours in rats and points to the hazardous impact of tartrazine on public health.”

From the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians:  “Studies have shown that certain food colorings and preservatives may cause or worsen hyperactive behavior in some children.”