Artificial Colours and Children’s Behaviour

Why those bright colours might be dimming your child’s focus

Artificial food colours are synthetic dyes added to foods, drinks, and even children’s medicines and vitamins to make them look more appealing.They might make lollies sparkle and cereals shine, but what they can do inside a child’s body and brain isn’t always so bright.

Most artificial colours are derived from petroleum—the same crude oil used to make fuels and plastics. These are not natural substances our bodies recognise or process easily.

What Are Artificial Colours Made From?

Artificial colours are created through industrial chemical processes that produce bright, stable pigments such as:

• Tartrazine (Yellow 5, E102)

• Sunset Yellow (E110)

• Amaranth (E123)

• Erythrosine (Red 3, E127)

  
  

You’ll often find them in:

• Soft drinks and cordials

• Lollies, icy poles, and jelly

• Coloured breakfast cereals and snack foods

• Children’s vitamins, medicines, and even toothpaste

  
  

Behaviour and Brain Health

Research and parent observations over decades have linked artificial colours with behavioural and emotional changes in children—especially those who are already sensitive or have conditions such as autism or ADHD.

Commonly Reported Reactions:

• Increased hyperactivity and impulsivity

• Irritability and emotional outbursts

• Sleep difficulties

• Mood swings and reduced frustration tolerance

A well-known 2007 study in The Lancet found that artificial colours and the preservative sodium benzoate (E211) increased hyperactive behaviour in children—even in those without an ADHD diagnosis. Since then, further research and thousands of parent reports have strengthened the evidence linking food dyes with behavioural changes.

How Do Artificial Colours Affect the Brain?

Several biological mechanisms may explain why these additives can have such a big impact on little bodies:

1. Neuroinflammation and Gut–Brain Axis Disruption

Artificial colours may irritate the gut lining, leading to low-grade inflammation and “leaky gut.” This inflammation can affect brain signalling and behaviour through the gut–brain axis.

2. Histamine Release

Certain dyes (especially reds and yellows) can trigger histamine release.In sensitive children, this may cause restlessness, irritability, headaches, rashes, or brain fog. Histamine is also a neurotransmitter — so when it’s dysregulated, it can affect mood, attention, and sleep.

3. Detoxification Challenges

Children with variations in detoxification genes (like CYP450 or GST) may struggle to clear these chemicals efficiently, allowing them to build up and cause more noticeable effects.

4. Microbiome Disruption

Artificial additives can reduce beneficial gut bacteria and interfere with digestive enzymes.This can increase intestinal permeability, contributing to food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and behavioural symptoms.

What Parents Can Do

Here are some simple, practical steps to reduce your child’s exposure and support their wellbeing:

1. Read Labels Carefully Look for names like “sunset yellow”, “brilliant blue”, or E-numbers (e.g., E102, E110, E122, E129).Helpful apps such as “E Additives” or “Chemical Maze” can make this easier.

2. Choose Whole Foods Fresh, natural foods are rich in colour and nutrients — without the synthetic dyes.

3. Opt for Natural Colourings Look for products coloured with beetroot, turmeric, spirulina, or paprika extract.

4. Keep a Food and Behaviour Diary Track any changes in sleep, mood, or focus after certain foods — even a week of observation can reveal patterns.

5. Support Detox Pathways Ensure good hydration, plenty of fibre, and nutrient-rich foods to help the body process environmental chemicals.

6. Educate and Empower Teach your child (and their teachers or carers) to recognise and avoid foods with artificial colours. Awareness is key.

The Bottom Line

While not every child reacts to artificial colours, many do — and those reactions are real and measurable. For sensitive children, removing artificial colours can make a remarkable difference in mood, focus, and overall wellbeing.

Every label you read and every swap you make helps your child’s brain and body thrive. Sometimes, the most powerful changes begin with something as simple as what’s not on the plate.

Amanda Downsborough, BSc, PGDip, GCert, MSc, ACAAM,

Functional & Nutrigenomic Medicine Practitioner

Brain Kids – www.brainkids.com.au

About the Author

Amanda Downsborough, BSc, PGDip, GCert, MSc, ACAAM, is a Functional and Nutrigenomic Medicine Practitioner specialising in autism and child neurodevelopment. Through her practice, Brain Kids, Amanda combines functional medicine, genetics, and neuroscience to uncover the biochemical and environmental factors affecting children’s health. Her work empowers families with science-based strategies to support brain balance, behaviour, and lifelong wellbeing.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a

substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a

qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or before

making changes to your or your child’s care plan.