Which Food Additives Make Children Behave Badly?


by TIM UTTON, Daily Mail, UK

Research has shown that the food additives used in hundreds of children's foods and drinks can cause temper tantrums and disruptive behavior. A Government-funded study confirms what many parents have long suspected about the effect of chemicals put into sweets, biscuits and foods. Colorings in products such as Smarties, Jelly Tots and fizzy drinks could spark behavior changes in up to a quarter of toddlers.

Research into a group of three year-olds found they were more likely to lack concentration, lose their temper, interrupt others and struggle to get to sleep when they drank fruit juice dosed with colorings and preservatives.

Following the study, food watchdog the Food Commission has found that 200 children's foods and drinks contain one or more of the additives called into question by the research.

The Commission is calling for the additives to be removed from the everyday foods and drinks which appeal to children. Even youngsters with no history of hyperactivity can be affected, said the scientists. They concluded that all children could benefit from the removal of specified artificial food colorings from their diet.

The Food Commission claims it is the first time a Government-sponsored scientific study has corroborated the link between food colorings and preservatives and changes in children's mood and behavior.

A group of 227 three-year olds from the Isle of Wight took part in a month long project by the UK Asthma and Allergy Research Center. For two weeks the children drank a daily fruit juice dosed with 20mg of artificial colorings and 45mg of preservative, which are either equal to or below permitted levels. The additives tested were the artificial food colorings Tartrazine E102, Sunset Yellow E110, Carmoisine E122, Ponceau 4R E124, and the preservative Sodium Benzoate E211. All five were given at the same time in a single drink.

For the other two weeks the children drank a fruit juice which was identical in appearance but without the additives. Parents filled in reports assessing their child's behavior on criteria such as interrupting, fiddling with objects, disturbing others, difficulty settling down to sleep, concentration and temper tantrums. The report said the results showed the artificial food colorings and sodium benzoate preservative had 'substantial effects' on behavior.

The scientists concluded that significant changes in children's hyperactive behavior could be produced by removing colorings and additives from their diet. They added: 'The findings suggest that benefit would accrue for all children from such a change - and not just for those already showing hyperactive behavior or who are at risk of allergic reactions.'

The Food Commission wants a ban on the additives and says the colourings tested have been restricted in other countries to protect children.

A spokesman for the Government's Food Standards Agency said the research was not conclusive. Nestlé Rowntree, which makes Smarties, Fruit Pastilles and Jelly Tots, said food additives it used were permitted by European and UK laws and any additives or colours had been tested to the highest standards. GlaxoSmithKline, which produces Ribena, said: 'We certainly wouldn't use any additives unless they were approved as safe.' Burton's Foods, which makes Jammie Dodgers, said its biscuits contained only half the amount of Carmoisine stated in legal guidelines. Cadbury Trebor Bassett, which makes Maynard Wine Gums, said: 'Carmoisine is a permitted colouring which has been used for many years.' Campina UK, which produces Yazoo Milk Drinks, said it used only approved ingredients.

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk/health...

Which Additives Do We Need To Look Out For?

Artificial Colors

(in sweets, drinks, takeaways, cereals and many processed foods)
  • 102 tartrazine,
  • 104 quinoline yellow,
  • 107 yellow 2G,
  • 110 sunset yellow,
  • 122 azorubine,
  • 123 amaranth,
  • 124 ponceau red,
  • 127 erythrosine,
  • 128 red 2G,
  • 129 allura red,
  • 132 indigotine,
  • 133 brilliant blue,
  • 142 green S,
  • 151 brilliant black,
  • 155 chocolate brown Natural colour,
  • 160b annatto (in yoghurts, icecreams, popcorn etc, 160a is a safe alternative)

Preservatives

  • Preservatives200-203 sorbates (in margarine, dips, cakes, fruit products)
  • 210-213 benzoates (in juices, soft drinks, cordials, syrups, medications)
  • 220-228 sulphites (in dried fruit, fruit drinks, sausages, and many others)
  • 280-283 propionates (in bread, crumpets, bakery products)
  • 249-252 nitrates, nitrites (in processed meats like ham)
  • Synthetic antioxidants - in margarines, vegetable oils, fried foods, snacks, biscuits etc
  • 310-312 Gallates 319-320 TBHQ, BHA, BHT (306-309 are safe alternatives)
  • Flavour enhancers - in flavoured crackers, snacks, takeaways, instant noodles, soups 621 MSG 627, 631, 635 disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, ribonucleotides

Table compiled by Sue Dengate, author of the bestselling book and film 'Fed Up: Understanding how food affects your child and what you can do about it.'

Our food has changed so drastically in the last few decades it is no wonder that food-related behavior and learning problems in children are increasing. Contrary to what many parents think, additives - more importantly than just sugar - are to blame for behavior problems. Reactions are related to dose, so the more additives children eat, the more likely they are to be affected.

Additives are now used widely in foods such as bread, butter, crackers, yogurt, juice and muesli bars as well as in junk food. Parents who say ‘we eat healthy food’ are generally shocked to find that their children can be consuming 20 additives or more per day.

Irritability, temper outbursts, oppositional defiance, restlessness and difficulty falling asleep are the main behavioral effects of additives. But parents rarely realize that food chemicals can be associated with many other effects including arguing with siblings, making silly noises, speech delay, anxiety, depression or difficulty concentrating. Additive-free children are generally calmer, happier and more cooperative.

Rashes, headaches, bed wetting, stomach aches, sneaky poos, constipation or asthma can also be a problem. Parents of asthmatic children are usually unaware that sulphite preservatives (220-228) in foods such as dried fruits, sausages, cordials and some fruit drinks can irritate airways.

So what can we eat? Read ingredient labels. Choose preservative-free bread. Buy color-free yogurts, ice creams and lollies such as caramels and toffees. Choose plain rather than flavored chips, crackers and noodles. Encourage your children to drink water as their main drink.

Source: www.fedupwithfoodadditives.info

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Previous Comments

Sarah commented on 08-Apr-2011 04:43 PM5 out of 5 stars
My children have extremely severe food intolerances. They cannot have ANY colours or preservatives so we end up making a lot of our treat foods at home. Today we made home made donuts, not only do we ensure the kids are not getting nasties but the kids have such a great time in the kitchen. Being on such a strict diet is extremely difficult at times, BUT it does make you more creative and it's totally worth it when you end up with well behaved, content, happy children!
Liz. commented on 08-Apr-2011 08:09 PM5 out of 5 stars
I am 28 weeks pregant and today I had to drink a glucose drink to have my blood sugar levels tested for Gestational Diabetes.
The drink contained 202, 211 and 143. I just despise the fact that I had to drink it, there is no alternative, they make it for pregnant women and they put known tumor-causing chemicals in it!
I have been so cautious my whole pregnancy to eat the right foods, and then I have to take in chemicals that I know are not good for me, but what about the people who don't know?
Anthony commented on 08-Apr-2011 08:33 PM5 out of 5 stars
My son is now of ADHD medication because we changed his diet. He is on a Gluten free and dairy free diet. Also, we stay away from preservatives as much as possible.
RJ commented on 08-Apr-2011 10:40 PM5 out of 5 stars
It would be even better if the study was put in to perspective by giving an example of a child's diet that contains all the named food colorings and additives. This way people can compare and see.
Barb commented on 09-Apr-2011 12:33 AM5 out of 5 stars
What a shame it has taken so long to get this information out to the public. I discovered a similar article 30 years ago and changed my family's diet back then. My 3 year old child's body was very sensitive, and removing food colorings, preservatives and sugar, adding more fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains and vitamin B - made a huge difference!! Back to the basics for all of us! Whatever God has made, and man hasn't tampered with, should be our first choice in foods.
Jacqueline commented on 09-Apr-2011 12:43 AM5 out of 5 stars
Thank you for this article! My son exhibits outbursts of defiance, just out of the blue, and my husband and my family and I are praying and looking for ways to help him! He is such a good 3 year old, very smart, but we can tell that sometimes his mood just changes so drastically. I will be looking out for additives and cut back on the fruit juices definitely!
Anonymous commented on 09-Apr-2011 04:55 AM5 out of 5 stars
My son is 10 months old and teething. I make all of his food at home from scratch NO EXCEPTIONS! Recently I was shopping at pur local health food store wanting to get him teething bisquits, however when I saw that sugar is the 2nd ingredient we said "NO" and now make them at home, he know no difference. He is so well behaved that he received compliments from single men on an airplane! I definitly attribute that to a fresh whole food diet with lots of breast milk.
Kathy Arbuckle commented on 09-Apr-2011 10:53 AM5 out of 5 stars
In regard to the glucose drink "required" during pregnancy to test for gestational diabetes: my pregnant daughter simply refused to undergo the test after becoming informed of the health risks. This reminds me that we are always free to exercise choice, to decide and choose what and what not to put in our own bodies.
Irsih commented on 09-Apr-2011 12:36 PM5 out of 5 stars
The more I continue to learn about what is in food that ISN'T food... the more I eat fair trade and organic foods. I recently was diagnosed with an intestinal yeast infection and am now on a strict diet to avoid preservatives, sugar and yeast. When I took sugar out of my children's diets and focused on traditional meals with a vegetable, lots of fruit and some meat... their behavior changed dramatically so that everyone commented on how calm they were!
troll_baby commented on 10-Apr-2011 08:40 AM5 out of 5 stars
Awesome. Thanx 4 da list of additives & preservatives. My daughter is a severe chronic asthmatic and has had over 20 hospital admissions. With the lack of knowledge, we put our faith into westernized medicinal philosophy. Since then we have changed our mind sets and are now focused on a more traditional food & body relationship which in the long run has helped tremendously. Eyana has had very few if no hospital visits. We are aware of many nasties but its great to have this list!!
Beth Sleutel commented on 12-Apr-2011 02:27 AM5 out of 5 stars
Regarding gestational diabetes...This is a wonderful article. Knowing what to be concerned about for our childrens' sake is important. Gestational diabetes, for both mother and fetus is extremely dangerous (underdeveloped lungs,premature birth, etc) and some risks - if your physician warrants this concern - should be taken. ASK the doctor what OPTIONS there are after voicing your concern...!
Anonymous commented on 14-Apr-2011 05:24 AM5 out of 5 stars
the diabetes test drink made me violently ill, I was allowed a alternative that was specific amount of certain foods. It has been awhile but I remember it being toast and jam, orange juice, things like that. I agree the test is important, but we are so
quick to just do things one way when there may be other options we are not being told. *That said, my oldest has recently developed more problems with additives in his teens. The more we change our diet, the more we find to avoid.
Nici commented on 14-Jun-2011 05:21 PM5 out of 5 stars
It is great to see so many people coming to understand the effects of these food additives on our children. I found Fed Up in 2000 and it saved my life. My 2 year old son was very sick with intolerances and allergies to the artificial as well as natural
food chemicals, salicylates. These affected his gut, his eczema and his behaviour. We did the Failsafe diet for 4 years before we found NAET and after many treatments his sensitivities were gone. He is now a healthy 13 year old, eating a varied and healthy
diet. Thank you Sue Dengate for your amazing work to educate us about the nasties in our processed food. Fresh, real food is best!
Michelle commented on 28-Nov-2011 10:26 AM5 out of 5 stars
My son hardly ever has anything to drink other than water, we recently gave him an orange fizzy drink while out for dinner. We had to stop off at the local shops on the way home and my child was a horror. He was bouncing off the walls I have never seen
him like that ever! This lasted for about 45 mins it was terrible.......never again!
Michaela commented on 28-Nov-2011 12:24 PM5 out of 5 stars
@Liz - There are other options besides drinking glucose. http://www.fullcirclemidwifery.com/2009/02/gestational-diabetes-information/ http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/gd/gd_index.html http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/gd/gd_testing.htm http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gdhgoer.html
Blaine commented on 28-Nov-2011 02:12 PM1 out of 5 stars
Well, the government cited that the study was 'inconclusive'- the sample size was very small, and a lot of the additives listed above were not studied. I'd be wary of falling for bad science and hysteria before we can actually parse out the data and study
further (of course, be smart and feed your kids well- that's not rocket surgery). We don't need another autism vaccine scam.
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