How Dyes Affect Children

Parents generally want their children to be healthy and happy. According to data from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, food dyes have been linked to a host of negative effects, including cancer. Synthetic food dyes are found in many food and beverage items, like baked goods, cereals, sports drinks and candy. These foods also tend to be heavy in sugar content, which is also not healthy for children. Parents should avoid food dyes whenever possible and stick to whole, natural foods.

  1. Food Allergies

    • The Ask Dr. Sears website recommends that parents steer clear of food additives, like dyes, for children who may be prone to food allergies. Parents who have food allergies themselves likely have children who are predisposed to food allergies. The site recommends that parents keep foods as pure as possible, including buying organic and whole, non-processed foods whenever possible. Foods laden with dyes are unhealthy for children in general, and those children prone to food allergies are even more threatened by dyes in food.

    Cancer Concerns

    • Dr. Joseph Mercola, doctor of osteopathy, published information regarding food dyes on his website, Mercola.com The publication lists red #3 and blueas the highest-used food dyes in products like baked goods, cereals, beverages and candy. Red dye #3 is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a thyroid carcinogen in animals, according to Dr. Mercola's site. This dye is used in sausage casing, medications and baked goods. Its use has been banned in topical products, like makeup.

    Hyperactive Behavior

    • The WebMD site cites a study by the United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency, in which food dyes are tied to increased hyperactivity in children. Children studied were given three different drinks, and their corresponding behaviors were analyzed. Children consuming the dye-filled drinks were more hyperactive than their counterparts. WebMD recommends parents steer clear of all food additives, including -- but not limited to -- food dyes. The hyperactivity that was shown in the study can impact things like focus in school and behavior at home. The study also noted that many foods that contain food dyes also have other components, like sugar, which should also be limited in consumption.

    Learning Impairment

    • The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy has published information about the effects of food dyes on children via HealthySchools.org. The publication cites not only the link between hyperactivity and food dye, but it also says learning impairment is possible with food dye consumption. The institute advises there is a link between learning, mostly reading skills, and increased levels of food dye consumption. The study recommends using natural dye sources like beet juice and annatto to color foods and reduce the toxicity of the foods children are consuming.

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