Children who consume foods and drinks with artificial dyes may experience increased hyperactivity, irritability or moodiness, according to available research. The sugar content in items like frosted cookies and sports drinks can contribute to these effects, but food dyes are also being scrutinized for their impact on children's behavior.
Research suggests that while food dyes do not directly cause conditions such as anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they can worsen symptoms in those already diagnosed. Even children and young adults without mental health conditions may become more agitated after consuming products containing artificial colorings.
The average American today consumes about five times more food dye than was typical in 1955. Dyes are found in cereals, candies, frostings, some packaged salmon, soft drinks and sports beverages. Studies have linked certain food dyes to genes that influence the production of dopamine—important for focus and impulse control—and histamine—which affects alertness but can also trigger allergy-like symptoms if present in excess.
Regulations on food dyes vary internationally. Some dyes banned in the United Kingdom are still allowed in the United States. In Europe, products with artificial coloring require warning labels; in the U.S., only ingredient disclosure is mandated.
Artificial colors such as Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 appear frequently on ingredient lists. Experts recommend checking product labels for these additives since many processed foods contain them.
Although there is no absolute proof linking food dyes to hyperactivity or behavioral issues, enough evidence exists to warrant caution. "If you see smoke, you should investigate whether there’s a fire, and in the meantime, you should evacuate the children, just to be safe," one expert noted.
Historically derived from coal tar and now often made from petroleum chemicals, artificial dyes offer no nutritional benefit nor do they preserve or enhance food quality beyond visual appeal. Some foods use concentrated natural colors from sources like beets or paprika; it remains unclear whether these have harmful effects when added artificially at high concentrations.
Younger children appear more sensitive to food dye ingredients than adults. Those most likely to react include individuals diagnosed with ADHD—where symptoms may intensify—oppositional defiant disorder—where irritability can increase—and anxiety disorders potentially worsened by changes affecting gut bacteria.
Other factors influencing child behavior include sleep habits and physical activity levels. Regular exercise increases dopamine and norepinephrine production—the same brain chemicals targeted by stimulant medications used for ADHD treatment—and participation in team sports may provide additional cognitive benefits over solo exercise routines.
Adequate sleep is essential for focus and mood regulation; pre-adolescent children should aim for 10–11 hours per night while adolescents need at least nine hours. Exposure to screens before bedtime can disrupt melatonin release and hinder restful sleep; avoiding screens an hour before bed is advised.
A healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise, sufficient sleep and a diet free of artificial dyes—may help manage ADHD or mood-related symptoms and could reduce reliance on medication for some individuals.
Ohio State Health & Discovery provides resources on wellness topics including community health initiatives on its official website. As part of its mission through Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, it advances health care via research innovation and educational outreach both within Ohio and globally according to its website.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article included recommendations originally authored by L. Eugene Arnold, MD, MEd—a leading expert on ADHD who served as professor emeritus at The Ohio State University College of Medicine until his death in April 2025.
