2MSN.net

Though we’d like to blame our kids’ ADHD on that brain-rotting TV or the hours spent on the computer, the blame falls on the parents. The parents’ genes of course. ADHD has been proven to be caused by genetics. However, MSN has posted an article about some food additives that might potentially make the symptoms of ADHD worse. These food additives are mostly colorings and dyes that are aggravate hyperactivity.

Quoting several doctors, it seems though that not everyone has come to consensus about the possible side effects of these dyes. Voices for and against are both represented in the article. But some of the doctors who support the claims that these additives were putting ADHD children at risk, are actually petitioning the FDA to ban these dyes in food altogether. In Europe, the EU has plans to start requiring warning labels on food if they contain these ingredients.

These additives include Blue No. 1 (Brilliant blue), Blue No. 2 (Indigotine), Green No. 3, Orange B, Red No. 3 (Carmoisine), Red No. 40 (Allura red), the food preservative Sodium benzoate, Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine), and Yellow No. 6 (Sunset yellow).

Sadly, these dyes and additives are in almost every snack, chip, soda, and piece of candy out there on the shelves. But with these ingredients in so many different products, is it really possible to pinpoint these as the culprit to making children more hyperactive? Couldn’t it be the sugar, the carbs, the caffeine in other products that bring on more severe ADHD? According to MSN’s source, Catherine Ulbricht, “There’s inconclusive evidence that food additives actually cause ADHD, but some research suggests that they may be linked to exacerbated symptoms in people who already have ADHD.” So in the final evaluation, it might be too close to tell if these additives are really responsible. Until further research can be done, it looks like the jury is still out.