A new research carried out by Southampton University study has found that additives in drinks, sweets and cakes can contribute to hyperactivity in children.

The research was commissioned by the UK Food Standards Agency in order to examine the possible effect of the combination of artificial food colours and the preservative sodium benzoate most likely to be found in foods popular with children such as soft drinks, confectionery, and ice cream.

The scientist from the Southampton University included in study 300 random children from the general population, separated in a group of three year old children and a group aged eight to nine years old.

The children's behaviour was rated by teachers and parents, plus a computerised test for the 8 to 9-year-olds.

The study revealed that when the children from both age groups received a drink containing an amount of additives roughly equal to that found in two bags of sweets, they showed significantly increased hyperactivity, compared to results for the placebo.

In another test, they received a drink selected to reflect the daily consumption of food additives by the children in their respective age groups. In this case only the 8 to 9-year-olds routinely demonstrated adverse effects.

“The implications of these results for the regulation of food additive use could be substantial," concluded the researchers from the University of Southampton. “Increased hyperactivity is associated with the development of educational difficulties, especially in relation to reading, and therefore these adverse effects could affect the child's ability to benefit from the experience of schooling.”

"These findings show that adverse effects are not just seen in children with extreme hyperactivity, but can also be seen in the general population and across the range of severities of hyperactivity", they added.

After the results of the research were published the Food Standards Agency has held an initial meeting with the UK food industry to discuss the findings and its implications. Representatives from manufacturing and retail organisations told the Agency there was already a trend within industry towards finding alternatives to the colours used in the study.

“This study is a helpful additional contribution to our knowledge of the possible effects of artificial food colours on children’s behaviour. After considering the COT’s opinion on the research findings we have revised our advice to consumers: if a child shows signs of hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) then eliminating the colours used in the Southampton study from their diet might have some beneficial effects. If parents are concerned about any additives they should remember that, by law, food additives must be listed on the label so they can make the choice to avoid the product if they want to.” said Dr Andrew Wadge, the FSA’s Chief Scientist.

Also psychology Professor Jim Stevenson, who led the Food Standards Agency (FSA)-commissioned study, said: "We now have clear evidence that mixtures of certain food colours and benzoate preservative can adversely influence the behaviour of children. There is some previous evidence that some children with behavioural disorders could benefit from the removal of certain food colours from their diet.”

The UK Food Standards Agency has shared these research findings with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and in Brussels, the European Commission said it had asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to evaluate the British study.
Once the result of the assessment was known, the Commission would decide on whether "further measures are necessary for the additives in question."
A Commission spokesman said it had asked for the EFSA evaluation to be presented by the end of the year.
EFSA was currently re-evaluating all authorized additives "to ensure that their safety assessment is still valid in light of the latest scientific data and technological developments."
Though the UK FSA pointed out that there were many factors associated with hyperactivity including genes, being born prematurely, environment and upbringing.