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Food Additives and Hyperkinesia

A Critical Evaluation of the Evidence

Carl Spring, Department of Education, University of California, Davis, Calif. 95616.

Jonathan Sandoval, PhD

Jonathan Sandoval, Department of Education, University of California, Davis, Calif. 95616.

This article evaluates evidence relevant to Feingold's hypothesis that synthetic food colors and flavors cause hyperactivity. Feingold's opinion that a recent "epidemic" of hyperkinesis is due to an increase in the use of synthetic colors and flavors is examined. The authors conclude that there are no reliable data to support the belief that there has been an epidemic of hyperkinesis. Results from clinical tests and uncontrolled studies of an elimination diet are reviewed, and the contaminating effect of placebo responses is discussed. Finally, results from two recent controlled studies of the diet are examined. The authors agree with the investigators that these controlled studies show equivocal results which should be interpreted with caution. A moratorium on further public advocacy is recommended until the efficacy of the diet for a defined population is firmly established by controlled research.

Journal of Learning Disabilities, Vol. 9, No. 9, 560-569 (1976)
DOI: 10.1177/002221947600900903


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