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What Foods Should Not Be Given to a Hyperactive Child?

Hyperactivity is a condition defined by certain behavior patterns. This term is frequently used when describing behavior such as trouble concentrating, impulsiveness, short attention span and excessive excitability. Hyperactivity and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are often used interchangeably. Some foods and food additives are suspected to contribute to a child's hyperactivity.

  1. Early Studies

    • In 1970, Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a pediatrician and Chief of Allergy at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, published a study which cited a relationship between food additives, artificial flavoring, artificial coloring and hyperactivity. A 1994 study by North Shore Hospital-Cornel Medical Center studied ADHD children's response to a diet which eliminated many foods, preservatives and dyes. The report concluded that there is a "beneficial effect of eliminating reactive foods and artificial colors" and that changes in diet "may play a significant role" in the behavior of children with ADHD.

    Hyperactivity and Food Dyes

    • According to the British Food Standards Agency (FSA), particular mixes of artificial food dyes could be influential in the hyperactivity of some children. The following food dyes listed are found in many food and beverages: sunset yellow FCF (E110), quinoline yellow (E104), carmoisine (E122), allura red (E129), tartrazine (E102) and ponceau 4R (E124). These colors are particularly bright and are commonly used in foods targeted to children such as ice cream, cakes and some kinds of soft drinks.

    Food Sweeteners

    • Sugar and artificial sweeteners such aspartame and the subsequent effect on hyperactive children is a controversial one and is not backed up by scientific studies. However, some children are naturally sensitive to sweet foods and may act more anxious and nervous after eating sweets. Sugar and other carbohydrates are known to move into a person's bloodstream rapidly and create a "sugar rush." Blood glucose levels can rise and fall rapidly and children may respond with hyperactive behavior.

    Salicylate

    • Dr. Feingold's study also mentions a substance called salicylate that occurs naturally in many foods. Some of the foods containing high levels of salicylate are apples, cherries, grapes, oranges and tomatoes. Dr. Feingold advised adults to eliminate these foods from their child's diet for four to six week periods, and watch for any improvement in that time. He advised substituting low salicylate foods such as bananas, peeled pears and lemon juice.

    Considerations

    • Parents are very aware of their child's behavior and know what situations trigger hyperactive behavior. There is a great deal of conflicting information as to which foods contribute to hyperactivity. Parents are encouraged to make informed decisions based on the needs and behavior of their children. If eliminating a particular food has a positive effect on your child, make a note of it. Many parents find that reducing sugars or particular fruits is sufficient, while for others a more restrictive diet has better results.

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