Air date: April 17, 2011

Host: Jeremy Shere, PhD

Email
Share this segment
Download MP3

Primary Care segments are presented
by IU Health Physicians.

Did you Know? is presented by Wishard Health Services, becoming Eskenazi Health in 2014.

I’m Jeremy Shere.

Since the 1970s, some nutritionists have worried that artificial food dyes could cause hyperactivity in children. But did you know that, at least according to the US Food and Drug Administration, there’s no proof that artificial food coloring is harmful?

Over the past few decades, several studies have purported to find a link between hyperactivity in children and artificial dyes in foods. Recently, FDA scientists allowed that food coloring may worsen symptoms in some kids with behavioral problems.

And so, a few weeks ago, the FDA convened an advisory panel to investigate the issue. And they decided that, for most kids, artificial food dyes pose no health risk.

This does not mean that food dyes are absolutely safe. New studies may emerge that suggest or prove otherwise. But for the time being, having considered the available evidence, the FDA has given food dyes a clean slate.

And now you know.

Become a fan of Sound Medicine on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Did You Know is presented by Senior Care at Wishard, answering your questions at LivingLongerBetter.org.

Additional Resources:

• FDA advisory panel sees no support for claims that food dyes cause hyperactivity.
• Many still worry about the safety of food dyes.