Home > Review Articles > Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 11
Authors:
  • McCann D et al
Summary:

153 3-year-old and 144 8/9-year-old children consumed a challenge drink containing artificial food colour (sodium benzoate) and one of two artificial food additive mixes (A or B) or a placebo mix, to test for effects on childhood behaviour. Among all 3-year-old children, behaviour assessed by a global hyperactivity aggregate was significantly and adversely affected by mix A compared with placebo (effect size 0·20 [95% CI 0·01–0·39], p=0·044), but not by mix B versus placebo. 8/9-year-old children showed a significantly adverse effect when given mix A (0·12 [0·02–0·23], p=0·023) or mix B (0·17 [0·07–0·28], p=0·001). In both populations, results persisted when analysis was restricted to those children consuming ≥85% of drinks with no missing data.

Comment:
In summary, evidence that food colouring and additives affect child behaviour (increased hyperactivity associated with educational, especially reading, difficulties). Retailers may promote products (including coloured and flavoured soft drinks) by making them more accessible through low cost or storing them at eye level on shelves. Hopefully, appropriate regulation is brought in but until then, caregivers may want to withhold these products, particularly during school time.
Reference: Lancet. 2007;370:1560-7
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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