Food Dyes and ADHD
Question:
Dr. Meletis, I have been researching the potential risk of food dyes as a "contributing factor" for ADHD. Can you offer your insights?
Answer:
Great question — the relationship between ADHD and food dyes has been a hot topic, especially among parents and health-conscious communities. Here's a clear and concise breakdown, but first, let's go into some basics.
What are food dyes?
Artificial food dyes are synthetic colorings. You'll find them in various candies, cereals, drinks, and snacks — think Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. They make food look more appealing but have little to no nutritional value.
What's worse, artificial food color usually contains petroleum and uses a chemical process that includes toxic substances like formaldehyde.1 Artificial food dyes also contain impurities. These impurities may sometimes include lead, arsenic, and mercury.1
ADHD & Food Dyes: What's the Connection?
Some research suggests that certain artificial food dyes may exacerbate hyperactivity and attention issues in children with ADHD. Although studies have found that eliminating these dyes from children's diets had positive effects on behavior, removing food dyes is not a panacea for ADHD as there is likely more than one cause of the condition.
The effects of artificial food dyes may expand beyond kids with ADHD since the research suggests these dyes may even cause symptoms in children without the condition.
What does the research say?
Although not all studies have found a link between behavior problems and artificial food dyes, many studies point to a connection. For example:
- A review of the medical literature found that artificial food dyes and sodium benzoate preservatives cause disturbed behavior in children.2
- A study found a correlation between yellow dye and sleep disturbance.1
- Researchers at Southampton University in England uncovered a link between food dyes and hyperactive and autistic behavior in children.1
- A 2024 study revealed that artificial food dyes are directly linked to a series of health problems, including behavioral changes in children with and without diagnosed disorders.3
- A 2022 review of the medical literature found that restriction diets, specifically those excluding artificial food colorings, may reduce symptom severity in children with ADHD.4 Although the reason for this improvement isn't definite, the review indicated that possible reasons include food dyes causing nutritional deficiencies and allergic reactions or altering neurotransmitter levels.
- An older report published in 2012 concluded, "Recent data suggest a small but significant deleterious effect of AFCs [artificial food colorings] on children's behavior that is not confined to those with diagnosable ADHD." 5
Most worrisome dyes:
- Blue 1
- Blue 2
- Green 3
- Red 3
- Red 40
- Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
- Yellow 6 - These have been most frequently flagged in research and parental reports.
Are some kids more sensitive?
Yes — some children (with or without ADHD) may be more sensitive to additives, especially those with existing behavioral challenges, food intolerances, or allergies.6
Should you avoid food dyes?
It depends:
- If you notice your child's symptoms worsen after eating dyed foods, it might be worth trying an elimination diet under a doctor or dietitian's guidance.
- Some pediatricians suggest minimizing artificial colors as part of a cleaner diet to support focus and behavior — ADHD or not.
Better choices:
- Look for snacks with natural colorings (beet juice, turmeric, spirulina).
- Choose minimally processed, whole foods when possible.
If you're considering trying a dye-free diet, speak with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian first. They can help guide a safe and balanced approach.
What Can You Do?
Read ingredient labels — artificial dyes are often listed by name or number.
Choose snacks with natural colorings (like beet juice or turmeric).
Focus on whole, minimally processed foods as much as possible.
Watch for changes in behavior after eating certain foods — every child is different.
Final Thought
There's no "one-size-fits-all" solution, but being mindful of food dyes — especially in children with ADHD — is a simple step that may make a real difference. A balanced, nutritious diet is one of the best tools to support growing minds and bodies.
Peace and Abundant Blessings,
Dr. Chris Meletis, N.D.
About Dr. Meletis, N.D.
Chris Meletis, N.D., has more than 25 years of experience practicing natural medicine. Based in Portland, Oregon, he shares his vast knowledge with fellow healthcare providers and his patients, and generously give to those in need. A lecturer and author, Dr. Meletis as written over a dozen books and hundreds of national articles. He was named Naturopathic Physician of the Year in 2003 by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and was inducted into the National University of Natural Medicine Hall of Fame in 2018.
References
- Bakthavachalu P, Kannan SM, Qoronfleh MW. Food Color and Autism: A Meta-Analysis. Adv Neurobiol. 2020;24:481-504.
- Warner JO. Artificial food additives: hazardous to long-term health? Arch Dis Child. 2024;109(11):882-885.
- de Oliveira ZB, Silva da Costa DV, da Silva Dos Santos AC, et al. Synthetic Colors in Food: A Warning for Children's Health. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024;21(6).
- Rambler RM, Rinehart E, Boehmler W, et al. A Review of the Association of Blue Food Coloring With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children. Cureus. 2022;14(9):e29241.
- Arnold LE, Lofthouse N, Hurt E. Artificial food colors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms: conclusions to dye for. Neurotherapeutics. 2012;9(3):599-609.
- Boris M, Mandel FS. Foods and additives are common causes of the attention deficit hyperactive disorder in children. Ann Allergy. 1994;72(5):462-468.
