Food Color Additives in the US Food Supply: Review of Neurobehavioral Safety

Llewellyn G Craig,Parker Julia M,Penberthy J Kim

doi:10.36959/595/409

Llewellyn G Craig, Parker Julia M + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.36959/595/409

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Abstract

Currently approved food additives, including color additives, have a long history of safe use in human consumables. Many food additives are added to increase the flavor or other sensory appeal of food items and have typically been viewed as enhancing the experience of eating or drinking. Research on the impact of food color additives (FCAs) upon neurobehavior, especially focusing on hyperactive behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents, began in the mid-1970s in the United States (US) with animal and human studies.

Highlights

Food additives, including Food color additive (FCA), have been regulated since at least the thirteenth century [1]
A particular focus of research has been associated with consumption of FCAs and potential for negative neurobehavioral effects in children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or symp
A second search was conducted for the date range of January 01, 2017 [42] to 22 July 2019 intended to identify any human intervention or challenge studies associated with FCAs that were not captured in the literature reviews or meta-analyses

Summary

Introduction

Food additives, including FCAs, have been regulated since at least the thirteenth century [1]. Modern FCAs are used by food product developers to indicate palatability, or tastiness, of food and beverage products. Colors are added to ensure an even, consistent appearance and to replace intrinsic color lost during processing, and create visual cues that match flavoring cues, all to help food and beverage products meet the expectations of consumers. One specific concern associated with certain FCAs has been the potential for the induction of or worsening of negative neurobehavioral effects, hyperactivity behaviors in children [2,3]. A particular focus of research has been associated with consumption of FCAs and potential for negative neurobehavioral effects in children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or symp-

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