Artificial food coloring makes children hyperactive, hoaxes or facts?

Food that is colorful does attract attention, especially for children. However, you still need to be aware of the effects of artificial food coloring on children. Although most are safe, several studies have shown a link between artificial food coloring and an increased tendency for hyperactivity in children. Is that true?

Ingredients and types of food coloring

Food coloring is a chemical that is used to add color to food. This coloring agent is often added to processed food, drinks, and even cooking spices. Usually this one material is used to enhance the appearance of food so that it attracts more attention.

There are two types of food coloring, namely water-soluble and insoluble. Water-soluble dyes are usually powder, granular, or liquid whereas those that are insoluble are intended for products containing fats and oils.

Various products containing food coloring will be tested for safety by the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). So, various products on the market that contain dyes have passed the test and are considered safe for consumption, as long as there is a POM registration number.

Here are some types of artificial food coloring that are safe to use, namely:

Red No. 3 (Erythrosin)It is a cherry red color commonly used in sweets and pastes for cake decoration.
Red No. (40)Allura red), is a dark red color used in sports drinks, candy, condiments, and also cereals.
Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine), a lemon yellow color used in candy, soft drinks, chips, popcorn, and cereal.
Yellow No. (6)Sunset yellow), an orange and yellow color used in candy, sauces, baked goods, and fruit preserves.
Blue No. 1 (brilliant blue), a turquoise color used in ice cream, canned peas, packaged soups, and cake decorating ingredients.
Blue No. 2 (Indigo carmine), is a light blue color used in candy, ice cream, cereals, and snacks.

Is it true that artificial food coloring makes children hyperactive?

Various studies have been conducted to examine the effects of artificial food coloring on children's behavior. Initially, in 1973 a pediatric allergist claimed that hyperactivity and learning problems in children were caused by artificial food coloring and food preservatives.

Then research conducted by the United Kingdom's Food Standards Agency in 2007 showed similar evidence stating that eating foods containing artificial food coloring can increase hyperactive behavior in children.

This study examined children aged 3, 8, and 9 years. These three age groups are given different types of drinks to see their effects. Each drink contains the following:

The first drink contains food coloring made by sunset yellow (E110), carmoisine (E122), tartrazine (E102), and ponceau 4R (E124).
The second drink contains sodium benzoate coloring and preservative. The color mixture is quinoline yellow (E104), allura red (E129), sunset yellow, and carmoisine.
The third drink is a placebo (no content or chemical substance, only used as a comparison in research or clinical trials) and does not contain additives.

From the results of the study, it was found evidence that hyperactive behavior in children aged 8 and 9 years increased when drinking the first and second drinks. Meanwhile, the level of hyperactivity of children aged 3 years increased after drinking the first drink but did not increase significantly after drinking the second drink.

From the results of these studies, the experts concluded that the effect of artificial food coloring had a positive impact on children's hyperactivity.

In addition, quoted from Healthline, another study showed that 73 percent of children with ADHD showed a reduction in symptoms when artificial food coloring and preservatives were removed from their diet.

However, researchers at Southampton University found that it is the genetic component that determines how food coloring affects children's behavior. The effects of artificial food coloring have also been observed in children without ADHD. The result, some children, including those with ADHD, do have a higher level of sensitivity to chemicals than others.

So to prevent the harmful effects of artificial food coloring in children, it is better to limit their intake. If you want to be creative in making colorful food, try to use natural dyes such as suji leaves for green, use purple sweet potatoes for purple, and turmeric for yellow. Although the resulting color is not as attractive as artificial food coloring, natural dyes are safer and healthier for your little ones.