Artificial colors and the link to ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder was recently in the news. Roughly 1 in 10 children suffers from ADHD. Surprisingly a search on Google Scholar shows that this has been an ongoing topic for many years.

Last year, the European Union Requires food that contains 6 particular dyes to state that the food may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children. McDonald’s Strawberry Sundae syrups get their color from fresh strawberries in Europe, while in the USA, the color comes from Red dye 40. In the United Kingdom, Fanta Orange soda’s coloring comes from real pumpkins and carrot extract. In the US, the color comes from Red 40 and Yellow 6 dye. Time for some more natural labels?

Is the United States late to the game again?

The FDA is finally holding meetings examining artificial colors and ADHD, so hopefully something will be forthcoming.

In the meantime, try to avoid foods with the following ingredients, especially if you have kids:

• FD&C Yellow 5
• FD&C Yellow 6
• FD&C Red 40