Abstract
The double-blind, double-crossover study tested Feingold's hypothesis that synthetic food colors cause hyperactivity in some children. Each of 6 hyperactive boys constituted a single-subject experiment. All subjects were on the Feingold diet eliminating artificial colors and flavors. All mothers claimed the diet had been effective. Subjects were challenged twice, for 3-day periods, with synthetic colors introduced in cookies eaten on challenge days. Identically appearing and tasting cookies containing no synthetics were eaten on control days. Data analyses suggested that 1 of the 6 subjects responded with hyperactive behavior to the challenge cookies. This result, however, was not duplicated in a replication study. Results from other diet challenges were reviewed. The authors conclude that evidence for Feingold's hypothesis is weak.
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