Advances in Neurobiology (2020)
24:481-504
While the research does not prove causation, there seems to clearly be a link between food dyes and symptoms of autism. Not only are there direct neurotoxic effects, but it has been shown that at least some of the dyes affect zinc. Reduction of zinc may lead to difficulty in handling metal toxins from other sources.
There is an association between autism and zinc deficiency, which may be made worse by zinc loss caused by food dye ingestion.
QUOTE: “Since 2011, it is evident that dyes are linked to harmful effects in children. Artificial dyes have neurotoxic chemicals that aggravate mental health problems.”
QUOTE: “Artificial food color usually contains petroleum and is manufactured in a chemical process that includes formaldehyde, aniline, hydroxides, and sulfuric acids … Sometimes lead, arsenic, and mercury may be present as impurities.”
CONCLUSION: “Food additives given in very large doses may act as a pharmacological trigger among a small percentage of children with autism. So, the FDA should insist that manufacturers include a label saying “artificial colors could cause hyperactivity in some children” to keep the public informed.”
