The Link Between Red Dye 40 and ADHD (2024)

Red dye 40 is a food additive that adds color to food and cosmetics. Some food colorings, including red dye 40, have been found to exacerbate ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) symptoms in some children.

ADHD is a chronic condition that usually begins in childhood that can cause hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common symptoms include trouble paying attention, trouble controlling impulsive behaviors, fidgeting, and talking excessively.

While all kids have behavioral issues from time to time, children with ADHD experience severe behavioral problems more frequently than others. It’s estimated that about 9.4% of children in the United States ages 2 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.

This article will explain the link between red dye 40 and ADHD, as well as foods to avoid.

What Is Red Dye 40?

Red dye 40 is a color additive that changes a substance’s appearance. It is used in food and cosmetics and is made from petroleum.It is widely used by food manufacturers to increase the appeal and acceptability of their products. Synthetic color additives are used instead of natural options because they produce colors that are not possible with natural colorants and are cheaper, more easily available, and last longer.

Red dye 40 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in cereals, beverages, gelatins, puddings, dairy products, and candy.

Red Dye 40 and ADHD

Researchers continue to study the link between ADHD and artificial food coloring. Most children have no adverse effects from color additives in their food. However, certain children may be more sensitive to these additives than others.

Consuming foods with red dye 40 may worsen symptoms in some children with ADHD. For these children, eliminating red dye 40 from their diets may reduce ADHD symptoms. In one study, researchers measured symptom improvement based on parental reports. Although parents’ perceptions are subjective, there seems to be strong evidence that removing red dye 40 reduced ADHD symptoms.

It’s important to note that artificial food colors do not cause ADHD.One study found that removing artificial food colors from the diet had a statistically significant effect on ADHD symptoms, however. The authors noted that the improvements were modest but still statistically significant.

Another study found that artificial food colors likely increase hyperactivity symptoms in some children with ADHD. It is possible that up to 33% of children with ADHD may benefit from a diet that eliminates color additives in food. The study also found that food colors exacerbate (worsen) symptoms of asthma, eczema, and migraines.

The current studies have examined the effect of red dye 40 on children, but it is possible that red dye 40 could also affect adults with ADHD. In a small pilot study of college students with ADHD, the authors concluded that artificial food coloring may affect brainwave activity and ADHD symptoms in college students, but that larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

Red Dye 40 Symptoms

The behaviors associated with ADHD and red dye 40 are hyperactivity and increased impulsiveness. Symptoms may include:

• Fidgeting and squirming while seated
• Leaving their seats in situations when staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or the office
• Running, dashing around, or climbing at inappropriate times; or feeling restless in teens and adults
• Being unable to play or engage in hobbies quietly
• Being constantly in motion or on the go, or acting as if driven by a motor
• Talking excessively
• Answering questions before they are fully asked, finishing other people’s sentences, or speaking without waiting for a turn in a conversation
• Having difficulty waiting for one’s turn
• Interrupting or intruding on others (for example in conversations, games, or activities)

Foods With Red Dye 40

Red dye 40 is present in several types of processed foods, especially foods that appear red or pink, including:

• Breakfast cereal
• Granola bars
• Jell-O
• Fruit snacks
• Candy
• Cakes
• Chips
• Flavored dairy products
• Soda
• Sports drinks
• Energy drinks

Recognizing Red Dye 40 on Nutrition Labels

The FDA requires that all foods that contain red dye 40 must list it as an ingredient on the label. Red dye 40 may appear as one of the following names:

• Red dye 40
• Red 40
• Red 40 Lake
• FD&C Red No. 40
• FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake
• Artificial colors
• Artificial color added
• Color added

The more colorful the food, the more dye it usually contains. The FDA requires that the food item’s ingredients be listed by weight, so if red dye 40 is one of the first ingredients on the list, you can assume that the food contains a significant amount.

Safe and Natural Alternatives to Red Dye 40

To avoid red dye 40, it’s best to make foods from scratch instead of opting for the processed versions. This is not always convenient or even possible for many families, but choosing natural alternatives when you can is worth it.Consider the following:

• Offer your child water or 100% fruit juice instead of soda or sports drinks.
• Choose cereals, such as Cheerios or oatmeal, without color additives.
• Bake desserts from scratch instead of using prepared cake mixes or store-bought desserts..

Sugar and ADHD

There has long been speculation that sugar either causes hyperactivity or that limiting sugar in the diets of children with ADHD will decrease their hyperactivity. However, there is little scientific evidence to support that sugar may be a contributing factor in hyperactivity symptoms, in children with or without ADHD.

• A 2019 study found no evidence of an association between the incidence of ADHD and the consumption of table sugar in children between 6 and 11 years old.
• A 2020 review and analysis of seven studies involving 25,945 individuals indicated a positive relationship between overall sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and symptoms of ADHD. The researchers noted, however, that there were other factors that may have contributed to these results and that more research is needed to control for these factors.

Given that studies have conflicting results and are inconclusive, there isn't sufficient evidence to show that sugar directly impacts ADHD.

Summary

ADHD is a chronic condition that causes hyperactivity and impulsivity in children and adults. Red dye 40 is a color additive added to food and cosmetics. Some research has found that removing red dye 40 may improve symptoms in some children with ADHD. Children with ADHD may benefit from a diet that eliminates color additives from their food.

A Word From Verywell

Managing your child’s ADHD symptoms can be overwhelming for any parent. It is especially difficult to determine which natural remedies are worth trying. Research shows that some children are significantly affected by red dye 40 in their diets. Consider asking your primary care provider or your child's pediatrician about trying a diet without color additives to see if your child’s symptoms improve.