Mental Health and Artificial Food Dye

There is a growing body of research suggesting a link between artificial food dyes and various mental health issues, particularly in children. Here is the data:

1. Hyperactivity and ADHD:

   • Southampton Study (2007): This study, conducted by the University of Southampton, found that artificial food colors and preservatives increased hyperactivity in children. The study specifically linked a mixture of artificial colors (including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6) to increased hyperactive behavior in both 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children.
   • FDA Review (2011): Following the Southampton Study, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the evidence and acknowledged that certain food dyes might exacerbate symptoms in children with ADHD.

2. Behavioral and Emotional Effects:

   • Bateman et al. (2004): This study found that artificial food colorings and benzoate preservatives in the diet resulted in increased hyperactive behavior in 3-year-old children.
   • McCann et al. (2007): This research, also linked to the Southampton Study, found significant increases in hyperactivity in children consuming certain food colorings and a preservative (sodium benzoate).

3. Irritability and Aggression:

   • Arnold et al. (2012): This study suggested that some children with ADHD might experience irritability and aggression when consuming artificial food colors. It found that a subset of children with ADHD showed a reduction in symptoms when these dyes were removed from their diet.

4. Psychiatric Symptoms:

   • Stevens et al. (2013): This research found that artificial food colors might contribute to behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in some children. The study concluded that removing these dyes from the diet could reduce symptoms in children diagnosed with ADHD and other behavioral disorders.

5. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses:

   • Nigg et al. (2012): This systematic review and meta-analysis examined multiple studies and concluded that artificial food dyes might exacerbate ADHD symptoms in children. It highlighted that the removal of these dyes from the diet could be beneficial for some children.

6. European Union Regulations:

   • EU Warning Labels (2010): The European Union began requiring warning labels on foods containing certain artificial colors, indicating that they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." This decision was influenced by research linking these dyes to behavioral issues.

These studies collectively suggest that artificial food dyes can have significant impacts on mental health, particularly in children with ADHD or other behavioral disorders. The data indicates that eliminating these dyes from the diet might improve symptoms in some individuals