Abstract
Objectives: To test the individual effect of artificial food colorings (AFCs) and a preservative on the behavior of the general Chinese population. Method: One hundred thirty children (70 boys and 60 girls) in Hong Kong with a mean age of 8.64 years were enlisted to the study with a within-subject crossover between AFCs, a preservative (sodium benzoate), and a placebo capsule. Two behavior scores were used including the strengths and weaknesses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and normal behavior rating scale and the child behavior checklist-teacher report form. Results: Capsule A containing AFCs and Capsule B containing sodium benzoate had no significant adverse effect compared with placebo in both behavior scores. This result persisted when analysis was restricted to children with 85% consumption of capsule (per protocol analysis). Conclusion: There seem to be no significant associations between AFCs and a preservative on Chinese children's behavior at the age of 8 to 9 years. Future directions and implications of this research are discussed.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 642-650 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2013 |
Keywords
- ADHD
- Behavior
- Child behavior
- Colorings
- Food additives
- Hyperactivity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health