Evidence Linking Red Food Dyes to Child Behavior Problems
There is limited scientific evidence directly linking artificial red food dyes to negative impacts on child behavior, though some research suggests certain synthetic food colorants may contribute to behavioral issues in susceptible children.
Current Evidence on Food Dyes and Behavior
Artificial food dyes, including red dyes, are synthetic color additives made from petroleum that have been approved by the FDA for enhancing the color of processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics 1.
The consumption of synthetic food dyes has increased by approximately 500% over the past 50 years, coinciding with increased reports of behavioral problems in children, including aggression, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 1.
Food colors commonly used in the United States include Blue 1 and 2, Green 3, Red 3, Yellow 5 and 6, Citrus Red 2, and Red 40, which some reports suggest may trigger behavioral responses in susceptible children 2.
The amount of artificial food colors certified by the FDA has risen significantly from 12 mg/capita/day in 1950 to 62-68 mg/capita/day by 2010-2012 3, 4.
Potential Mechanisms and Concerns
Synthetic food colorants contain small molecules that may bond to food or body proteins, potentially circumventing and disrupting the immune system 1.
These dyes can be absorbed not only through food ingestion but also via the skin through cosmetic and pharmaceutical products 1.
Some studies suggest that consumption of synthetic food colors may activate inflammatory cascades and potentially induce intestinal permeability to large antigenic molecules, which could lead to cross-reactivities, autoimmunities, and possibly neurobehavioral disorders 1.
A study conducted at Southampton University in England found a potential link between food dyes and hyperactive behavior in children, though the research does not prove that food coloring actually causes autism spectrum disorder 2.
Exposure Considerations
Children may be consuming higher amounts of artificial food dyes than previously thought, not only through foods and beverages but also through over-the-counter medicines and supplements 3, 5.
Some children's pain reliever syrups contain Red No. 40 at levels that can be two times the FDA's accepted daily intake (ADI), while some cough/cold/allergy syrups may contain almost three times the ADI 5.
Studies that used 50 mg or more of artificial food colors as a challenge showed greater negative effects on more children than those using lower amounts 4.
Broader Context of Environmental Exposures
While not specifically about red dyes, research on other environmental toxins provides context for considering potential risks of synthetic chemicals on child development:
Exposure to certain chemicals during critical developmental periods has been linked to poorer cognitive, behavioral, and social development in children 6.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for pediatricians and governments to recognize and reduce exposures to potentially harmful substances through education, labeling, public health surveillance, and regulatory action 7.
Limitations and Research Gaps
The U.S. FDA has not yet conducted comprehensive studies on the effects of synthetic dyes on behavior in children 2.
The exact mechanisms by which food dyes might affect behavior remain unclear, and individual susceptibility likely varies significantly 1.
More research is needed to establish definitive causal relationships between specific dyes and behavioral outcomes, as current evidence is suggestive but not conclusive 2, 3.