Reported September 07, 2007

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Sugar isn't the only thing that will get your kids bouncing off the walls.

A new study reported by researchers in the United Kingdom reveals the same is true for certain food additives like food colorings and preservatives.

The investigators tested the additives in 153 3-year-olds and 144 8- and 9-year-olds. All were given three different drinks for comparison purposes; one drink included the preservative sodium benzoate and one mix of other additives, the second drink included sodium benzoate and another mix of additives, and the third drink was additive free and served as a control.

The younger children demonstrated more hyperactivity when they drank the first mix of additives but not when they drank the second. The older kids, however, became more hyper after drinking both mixes. Researchers measured hyperactivity in the children using standard ratings by teachers and parents. The older kids also took part in a computer-based screening test.

The authors write food coloring could easily be removed from children's food, but note sodium benzoate would be another matter because it helps keep food fresh and safe to eat.

"Although the use of artificial coloring in food manufacture might seem to be superfluous, the same cannot be said for sodium benzoate, which has an important preservative function," study authors write. "The implications of these results for the regulation of food additive use could be substantial."
 

SOURCE: The Lancet, published online Sept. 5, 2007