Are Artificial Dyes in Foods and Personal Care Products Causing Your Child’s Hyperactivity?

In an article reported by Associated Press, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the use of eight artificial colors in food because the additives may cause hyperactivity and behavior problems in some children. These colors include Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3, and Yellow 6.

This consumer advocacy group is not the only one making these claims. Feingold Association, another organization dedicated to helping children with behavior problems, also suggests that artificial dyes are connected to hyperactivity.

The center’s executive director, Michael F. Jacobson indicates the colors often mask the absence of real food and attempt to appeal to children through color. Dyes are often added to cereals, candies, sodas, and many snack foods.

The same can be said of toothpaste which often has glitter, bright colors and artificial sweeteners added to motivate children to brush. The Feingold Association maintains their stance that all personal care products and foods containing such dyes should be avoided by parents. Soaps, bubble bath and shampoos also contain added artificial colors. With the added daily use of such foods and personal care products, these claims may be something to consider.

The mouth and the skin is an easy route to absorb these substances through, and may affect a child’s developing body not only through their behavior, but allergies.

The FDA maintains their stance that the colors have undergone safety reviews and should not be banned.

As consumers, parents are left in the dark whether to trust the FDA or consumer advocate groups such as Center for Science for the Public Interest. Just to be on the safe side, realizing the childhood behavior challenges are on the rise, as well as diabetes, obesity and other illness, it may be wise to throw caution to the side of dye free foods and personal care products.

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