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Additives, Mood and Behaviour |
Additives and Mood in ADHD by Sally Bunday founder of the Hyperactive Children's Support Group |
Over the years there have been many studies (including the recent one by the Food Standards Agency) which, despite objections that much of the evidence is ‘anecdotal’, have found that certain additives and foods do contribute to hyperactivity, ADHD, tantrums in toddlers and Autism. Research among our own children, carried out by Dr Neil Ward at Surrey University found that 89% of 357 diagnosed hyperactive children were adversely affected by artificial colours. Most research focuses on one or two additives (generally colourings and a preservative). In our opinion it would be helpful to exclude a much more comprehensive list of additives plus up to 65 other commonly consumed foods. Countless thousands of parents have sought our help over the years in the hope of resolving worrying behaviour in their children and ‘Where do we begin?’ is the most frequent question. The Hyperactive Children's Support Group has produced a good deal of literature which can help guide parents with information and suggestions (see overleaf for more details) but here are a few suggestions as to where to start. Incidentally, it is worth being aware that a high percentage of hyperactive or sensitive children are abnormally thirsty. This means that they will have a higher intake of ingredients and additives which may contribute to adverse reactions . Planning Before launching into an additive free diet, get as much information as you can and make a plan. Some parents decide to follow the Feingold Food Programme based on the research of Dr Ben Feingold, an American allergist (full details from www.feingold.org). Dr Feingold’s diet avoids a range of additives, sweeteners and certain natural foods (oranges, berry fruits, tomatoes and chocolate among others) containing salicylate, an Aspirin like substance. Other families feel they need to go more gently and gradually make changes to their child’s diet. At the HACSG we recommend the whole family change onto the new food or drink. It makes it much easier for the child in question to stick to the diet - and makes catering a great deal easier. And since everyone will benefit from a diet which is free from questionable additives it will be good for the whole family. What you need to avoid The HACSG has a Guide for Parents which includes a diet plan and details of all the additives you need to avoid which costs just £5 - see overleaf for details. The most important are as follows: • Artificial colours - especially azo and coal tar dyes. (These include E102, 104, 107, 110, 120, 122, 123, 124, 127, 128, 132, 133, 150, 151, 152, 155) • Artificial flavours • Preservatives such as sodium benzoate and benzoic acid (E210 & 211) • Flavour enhancers such as MSG (E621) • Artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, mannitol, acesulfame, aspartame, saccharin, Xylitol) You should also try to reduce the amount of sugar, fat and salt in the diet. However, avoiding many of the products mentioned overleaf will not only dramatically reduce your child’s intake of sugar, salt and fat but of most of the troublesome additives. E Numbers Some manufacturers use the E numbers only, others use the additive name. Parents can be confused by this situation and feel that if no actual E number is listed, the item is additive free - which is not the case. There are hundreds of additives used but not all are a problem. All food additives are tested for toxicity and the ‘E’ number denotes European approval. However this does not indicate which additives will cause behavioural problems in sensitive children. To learn more about E numbers read Maurice Hanssen’s excellent book E for Additives (Thorsons). Where do you find these additives? A few tips • There is no alternative to reading the ingredient list on packaged foods. As a general guide, the shorter the list the fewer additives. It is worth contacting your store before shopping for a list of additive free foods. When shopping take a suitable snack (fruit or plain biscuit) to prevent (reduce) the ‘I want’ tantrums. • Keep meals as simple and fresh as possible - there are additive free versions of most favourites like baked beans, ice cream, tomato sauce. • For the very young try to avoid introducing sweets, crisps, fizzy pop and squashes. • When visiting relatives and friends take a small supply of suitable items for treats. Organise a treat tin which contains a supply of okay items to keep for those occasions when the children deserve a treat. • Cook with the children. Simple fairy cakes, cookies, pizza. Children enjoy cooking and it involves them far more positively with the diet. Encourage older children to help out with food preparation. The Hyperactive Children's Support Group provides invaluable support and information for any parent who suspects that their child may be hyperactive. Family membership only costs £15 per year and their excellent publications are very reasonable. You can contact them at www.hacsg.org.uk What you need to avoid The HACSG has a Guide for Parents which includes a diet plan and details of all the additives you need to avoid which costs just £5. www.hacsg.org.uk The most important are as follows: • Artificial colours - especially azo and coal tar dyes. (These include E102, 104, 107, 110, 120, 122, 123, 124, 127, 128, 132, 133, 150, 151, 152, 155.) • Artificial flavours • Preservatives such as sodium benzoate and benzoic acid (E210 and 211) • Flavour enhancers such as MSG (E621) • Artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, mannitol, acesulfame, aspartame, saccharin, Xylitol) You should also try to reduce the amount of sugar, fat and salt in the diet. However, avoiding many of the products mentioned overleaf will not only dramatically reduce your child’s intake of sugar, salt and fat but of most of the troublesome additives. E Numbers To learn more about E numbers read Maurice Hanssen's excellent book E for Additives (Thorsons). A few tips •Keep meals as simple and fresh as possible
- there are additive free versions of most favourites like baked
beans, ice cream, tomato sauce. The Hyperactive Children's Support Group provides invaluable support and information for any parent who suspects that their child may be hyperactive. Family membership only costs £15 per year and their excellent publications are very reasonable. You can contact them at www.hacsg.org.uk First published in 2003
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