ADHD & The Food Dye Connection

No one wants to deprive their child of enjoying candy once in a while, especially when their peers are indulging. According to Kirkland et al. (2022), a lifestyle factor that has been implicated in the treatment of ADHD since the 1970s is diet and the removal of artificial food coloring. Research reports increased hyperactive behavior, impulsivity, motor responses, sleep disturbances, and negative mood after exposure to varying doses (26–150 mg) of these dyes (Pelsser et al., 2011, as cited in Kirkland et al., 2022). I highly recommend the following dye-free and organic candies for those of you who are avoiding dyes and additives. We happily offer dye-free treats in our office upon request.

Reference

Kirkland, A. E., Langan, M. T., & Holton, K. F. (2022). Artificial food coloring affects EEG power and ADHD symptoms

in college students with ADHD: a pilot study. Nutritional Neuroscience, 25(1), 159–168.

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