Red Dye 40 & ADHD: Understanding the Connection

What Is Red Dye 40?

Red dye 40 is a synthetic food that is mostly made of petroleum. Though generally harmless, this synthetic food has been found to be associated with food allergies and behavioral problems in children with ADHD. Red dye 40 is commonly found in many different kinds of foods.

Which Foods Contain Red Dye 40?

There are many common food categories that frequently contain Red Dye 40.

Foods that often contain red dye 40 include:

• Sodas
• Juice
• Pudding
• Baked goods
• Candy
• Dairy products
• Breakfast cereal
• Condiments

What Is the Connection Between Red Dye 40 & ADHD?

Research findings have explored the link between Red Dye 40 and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study which examined 35 years of data on food allergies and ADHD in children found that artificial food colors do tend to exacerbate behavioral problems in children whether or not they have ADHD.¹ This means it is unlikely that red dye 40 directly causes worsened behavioral problems in ADHD and rather exacerbates pre-existing issues. It is important to consider the complex relationship between red dye 40 and symptoms of ADHD.

Can Red Dye 40 Cause ADHD?

Research indicates that rather than being causal, red dye 40 exacerbates pre-existing symptoms in children who may already struggle with regulating behavior due to hyperactive or impulsive symptoms associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Often, mental health problems are multifactorial and many different causes can influence the outcome of behavior. Ultimately the relationship between red dye 40 and ADHD is more likely correlational (there is a relationship that exists between these two factors) than causal.

Symptoms of ADHD Affected by Red Dye 40

Research has found that red dye 40 is more likely to impact the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD rather than the inattentive symptoms of ADHD.

These symptoms may include:

• Difficulty sitting still
• Being on the go as if driven by a motor
• Fidgeting
• Acting impulsively
• Talking excessively
• Frequently interrupting others

How to Know if Red Dye 40 Is Affecting Your Child’s ADHD

The best way to determine any impact on behavior is monitoring and observation over time. ADHD symptoms in children are important to monitor in order to increase understanding around potential variations and patterns that may exist which exacerbate or decrease symptoms. Sometimes keeping a journal or log of behavior and diet can be a way to help organize this information for parents who are hoping to assist their child in regulating symptoms.

If parents begin to notice an increase in symptom severity associated with the consumption of red dye 40 foods, it may be helpful to seek consultation with a professional healthcare provider and consider making dietary adjustments.

Red Dye 40 & ADHD Elimination Diet

Elimination diets are diets which eliminate certain food groups systematically from a person’s diet, such as foods with red dye 40 in them. This intervention has been observed in children living with ADHD and results of many aggregate studies conclude that this strategy does not tend to produce significant results in most cases, though may be effective for a few individuals.² These findings further support the importance of consulting healthcare providers if considering elimination diets as an intervention for ADHD symptoms.

How to Find Red Dye 40 on a Food Label

It is important to read food labels to identify Red Dye 40 in various foods. Label regulations may allow red dye 40 to be listed under different names and researching these names may be helpful in learning how to more quickly recognize them. Some examples include: Allura red AC, Red 40 and FD&C.

Criticisms of Red Dye 40 & ADHD Research

The majority of research surrounding red dye 40 and ADHD implies a correlational relationship. It is important to remember that in the presence of correlational relationships, often multiple other factors are contributing to the outcome of one factor having an influence upon another. It is important that the relationship between red dye 40 and ADHD continues to be investigated over time and with large sample sizes in order to ascertain any statistically significant causal relationship.

How Other Foods Impact ADHD

There has been research which has investigated the general role of diet and ADHD. Research indicates that there has been some success finding support for elimination diets and fish oil supplements in the treatment of ADHD symptoms in children. However, it is advised that more research be conducted in order to understand this relationship more thoroughly.³

When to Seek Professional Support

If ADHD symptoms are causing chronic problems at home, at work, in relationships or other important areas of life, it may be helpful to seek professional support. You can find a neurodiverse-affirming therapist using an online therapist directory or online therapy platform. Finding someone who is a good fit for you is the most important factor in determining positive therapy outcomes.

Some common treatment options for ADHD in children include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD targets thoughts and behaviors associated with symptoms.
• Medications: Considering medication options for ADHD can be an important part of treatment.
• Music therapy: Sometimes music therapy for ADHD can be a helpful intervention for treating ADHD symptoms.
• Play therapy: Play therapy is a common intervention used on children and can be helpful for a variety of mental health problems.
• Behavior therapy: Behavior therapy for children with ADHD helps target common problem behaviors and creates a structured treatment plan.
• Quality time: Children with ADHD often benefit greatly from having quality time with their parents or caregivers. High levels of interaction and affection with a strong secure bond can help reduce symptom severity.