Food Additives and ADHD: A Back-to-School Concern

Photo Credit: by Tom Raftery, flickr.com

It may seem like neurodivergence is all the rage these days, but ADHD is nothing new. If you don’t have it yourself, you certainly know someone with ADHD.

While a person with ADHD has a brain that operates differently from what many consider “normal,” it can sometimes be a superpower. Still, living with ADHD often makes everyday tasks more challenging. Researchers have explored various factors that may influence ADHD symptoms, with one area of interest being the potential link between food additives and ADHD.

Though the connection between diet and ADHD remains controversial, many individuals and families affected by ADHD have sought relief from dietary changes. Could what you eat change your brain chemistry? We know this to be true in other areas, but the impact of food on ADHD deserves further research.

In this article, we’ll explore the history of this discussion, including specific food additives, potential mechanisms of action, and practical advice for those seeking to understand the relationship between diet and ADHD.

What is ADHD?

What exactly is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.

Symptoms of ADHD include:

* inattention (not being able to keep focus)

* hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting)

* impulsivity (hasty acts that occur at the moment without thought).

ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning.”

The APA also states that an estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. However, ADHD in adults is diagnosed, presented, and assessed differently than in kids.

The prevalence of ADHD varies depending on age and geographical location. For example, small children tend to have lower rates of ADHD, while school-age children have more instances of ADHD, which continues into the teenage years. There are also varying cultural factors, and access to health care and diagnostic techniques is not widespread globally.

ADHD is believed to be linked to imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which regulate attention and behavior. Also, some food additives may promote inflammation in the body, which could, in turn, exacerbate ADHD symptoms since inflammation has been linked to a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD.

In this way, it makes sense that our diet would impact our brains and attention spans, especially in children’s brains as they grow and develop.

Are food additives fueling the ADHD fire?

Should parents be worried about food additives and their impact on ADHD? The effects of food additives on ADHD are still not fully understood but are worth examining.

First, look at the historical context and early studies around ADHD and food. Scientists began to consider a connection between food additives and ADHD decades ago.

According to CNN, “a possible link between ADHD and certain foods -- including food dyes and preservatives -- has been suspected since the 1970s. Still, despite decades of research, experts can’t agree on whether eliminating dye-containing foods from a child’s diet can ease ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity -- except in perhaps a few special cases.”

Early studies began to examine whether artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives might worsen hyperactivity and other behavioral symptoms. Researchers observed that some children showed an increase in ADHD-like behaviors after consuming foods with certain additives, sparking interest in this area.

While these initial studies were often small and limited, they laid the groundwork for more comprehensive research in later decades. This field of study continues today despite much controversy and criticism. Some studies suggest an association between certain food additives and increased hyperactivity, while others have failed to replicate these findings.

Critics argue that the research on food additives and ADHD is inconclusive, and other factors—such as genetics and environmental influences—may play a larger role in ADHD symptoms. Nevertheless, the possibility that food additives could be one piece of the puzzle continues to generate interest and discussion, inspiring further study and debate.

As the Psychiatric Times states, “The results of several studies have indicated … that excessive use of certain food additives (eg, sweeteners, preservatives, and emulsifiers) may trigger mental disorders including anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).”

The gut-brain axis is important to explore since some foods can negatively impact gut bacteria, potentially leading to changes in behavior and cognition. The gut-brain axis can affect mental health as a whole, from ADHD and beyond.

Tips for parents: Can dietary changes help your child with ADHD?

While there is no definitive scientific consensus on the impact of diet on ADHD symptoms, some parents report that certain dietary changes may help their children.

In many cases, cutting out or limiting certain foods does not have any adverse effects on health, so why not give it a try? Here are some other tips to try:

* Cutting out artificial colors and flavors may help and won’t hurt, so it’s worth giving it a go.

* Consult with a pediatrician or dietitian to try an elimination diet, which can help narrow down potential food challenges.

* Too much sugar or caffeine can have negative consequences on children and their behavior, so limit these substances.

* Try incorporating more healthy foods, including those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

A balanced and nutritious diet is key. Remember that while dietary adjustments can help some children with ADHD, they are often used in combination with other treatments, such as medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support.

The impact of specific food additives on ADHD

Artificial colors, such as what you’ll commonly find in candy, sugary drinks, and brightly colored snacks, have been a major focus of research on ADHD. Studies suggest that certain synthetic dyes, such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, may contribute to hyperactivity in some children, especially those who are already predisposed to ADHD. Red food dye has also been linked to bowel disease.

The European Union has taken steps to require warning labels on foods containing artificial colors. At the same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that there is no conclusive evidence linking artificial colors to ADHD.

Mosaic Life Care states, “Some studies indicate that certain food colorings and preservatives may increase hyperactive behavior in some children. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Advisory Committee determined that studies have not proved a link between food colorings and hyperactivity. Countries differ on which food color additives, sometimes called food dyes, they’ll allow in food and drinks and how they’re labeled.

“For example, the European Union (EU) requires that foods containing certain food color additives include a statement on the label that this color ‘may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.’ The FDA only requires that FDA-certified color additives be listed on the food label.”

Nevertheless, many parents report behavioral improvements when they remove dyes from their children’s diets. Similarly, preservatives like nitrates, nitrites, and sulfites are commonly found in processed meats, dried fruits, and packaged snacks. Some research has suggested that these additives could play a role in ADHD symptoms by contributing to inflammation or disrupting neurotransmitter activity.

However, the evidence is mixed, and not all children with ADHD seem to be affected by preservatives in the same way. However, given the potential for individual variability, it may be worth exploring preservative-free options in some families.

Furthermore, the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG), used in many processed foods, has been linked to various health concerns, including potential effects on the brain. While there is limited direct evidence connecting MSG to ADHD, some experts speculate that it could contribute to neurotransmitter imbalances or inflammation, both of which are associated with ADHD symptoms.

As with other additives, the impact of MSG, preservatives, artificial colors, and ingredients can vary depending on individual sensitivity.

Can the Feingold Diet cure ADHD?

One of the earliest and most famous dietary approaches to managing ADHD was a diet introduced in 1973 by a Californian pediatrician and allergist named Dr. Benjamin Feingold.

Healthline reports, “The Feingold Diet, which is purported to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism, was popular in the 1970s. Despite many success stories, this diet has been widely criticized by the medical community for its lack of scientific evidence, strict rules, and dangers. …

“The diet eliminates artificial colors, sweeteners, substances known as salicylates, and three preservatives — butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tert-Butrylhdryquinone (TBHQ).”

Healthline also reports, “He originally designed the eating pattern for his young patients with allergy symptoms, such as hives, asthma, and eczema. After noticing behavioral improvements, he began using the diet to help children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other behavioral issues. … Feingold believed that avoiding these ingredients and a few foods improved focus and behavior.”

While the Feingold Diet gained significant popularity among families and remains in use today, it has been met with skepticism by some in the scientific community due to a lack of consistent evidence supporting its effectiveness.

But as Psychology Today questions, “Do we feed our children products with uncertain safety data until they are proven harmful? Or do we restrict products with uncertain safety data until proven safe?”

Despite the controversies, many parents report positive changes in their children’s behavior when they stick to the Feingold Diet.

ADHD drugs: what you should know about ADHD prescription medications

It’s important to note that not all individuals with ADHD are affected by food additives in the same way, and research remains inconclusive in many cases. Some may experience noticeable improvements in behavior after eliminating certain additives, while others may see no change.

In addition, ADHD is a multifaceted condition influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While food additives may contribute to ADHD symptoms for some people, they are unlikely to be the sole cause. Still, a balanced and varied diet with sufficient nutritional value and close attention paid to food labels is never a bad idea!

As a report published by the National Library of Medicine points out, “Given the relatively harmless intervention of eliminating colorings and preservatives, and the large numbers of children taking drugs for hyperactivity … it might be proposed that an appropriately supervised and evaluated trial of eliminating colorings and preservatives should be part of standard treatment for individual children.”

Because diet changes may not work for everyone, doctors often prescribe ADHD medications to those whose lives are negatively impacted by their ADHD. There’s a wide variety of ADHD drug types, prescriptions, and more. It’s difficult to determine which ADHD drug is most popular, but Intuniv (also known as Guanfacine XR), Strattera, and Kapvay tend to be common prescriptions.

Stimulants are also a commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. These include:

* Methylphenidate: found in Ritalin, Concerta, and other formulations

* Amphetamine: found in Adderall, Vyvanse, and other formulations

ADHD medication popularity can differ according to factors like regional variations, prescribing preferences, and evolving treatment guidelines. Intuniv, Strattera, and Kapvay are popular non-stimulant options and may be prescribed for specific cases or in combination with stimulants.

When managing ADHD, it’s essential to consider the context of each individual’s health, including stress, sleep, physical activity, diet, and more. In addition, a personalized approach under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional or nutritionist is necessary, regardless.

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