Life Sciences. 1980 Nov 7;27(20):1897-904. Goldenring, Wool, Shaywitz, Batter, Cohen, Young, & Teicher
In this study, some rats were treated with 6-OHDA and some were treated with placebo. In each of these groups, some were given food dyes and some were given placebo, resulting in 4 groups of rats:
- Normal & given No Dye (VN)
- Normal given Dye (VD)
- 6-OHDA treated & given No Dye (TN)
- 6-OHDA treated & given Dye (TD)
The food dyes were given to the rats by gastric tube rather than injected, so it is closer to the way people might be exposed to dyes. They were given the usual mixture of US-approved dyes at quite a low dose … only 1 mg/kg
RESULTS: Both groups of rats given dyes (VD & TD) became hyperactive, while those not given dyes (VN & TN) did not.
NOTE: The 6-OHDA was given to create a group of rats as a model for Minimal Brain Dysfunction (the old term for ADHD). It is today used as a model for Parkinson’s Disease. Makes me wonder whether avoiding food dyes might not be helpful for patients with Parkinson’s. Has anybody ever tried it, perhaps for an elderly parent with Parkinson’s?
NOTE added 9/19/2026 — Yes, over the years, some members have noted and reported that their relatives with Parkinson’s have shown a worsening of symptoms after consuming items with food dye.
MedLine || Full Text || Get Password
