"adhd" news and stories

There's a new (well, old, but gaining momentum) controversy in the world of food: should food dyes be banned?

Many people want the dyes (with names like Red 40 and Blue 2, which sounds like a score from an episode of Hell's Kitchen) used in food banned because they think they might cause hyperactivity and ADHD. The Food and Drug Administration insists that study after study has shown that food dyes/artificial coloring is safe for kids and adults to eat. Though as CBS' Nancy Cordes says, a study a few years ago of 21 top studies done showed that the dyes could actually have an effect on the restlessness and attention problems in children. A non-profit group is asking for the dyes to be banned.

I have to admit that food dye is an ingredient I never even think about when buying packaged foods. How about you?

The other day, Andrew posted on a BBC story about UK schools considering using Omega-3 supplements to improve students' behavior and performance. The BBC article cites a year old study, and now The Daily Mail reports on more recent findings that show fish oil to be more effective than Ritalin in treating children with ADHD. Groups of seven- to 12-year-olds were given six capsules of fish oil daily over the course of several months. By the end of a seven month period, researchers found that nearly half of the group showed better concentration and performance in school. Researchers also compared the results to studies done with Ritalin and Concerta and found fish oils to be more effective, the Daily Mail reported. The results of the study are to be published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.