Is ADHD being caused by dyes or additives in food?

There was a story on the Today show this morning that discussed the FDA's decision to look more closely at the effects of artificial colors used in food on children.  Specifically, the FDA wants to see if there is a link between consumption of these substances and any link to ADHD.  You can read/view the story by visiting the Today Show's website at this link .  I applaud the FDA for looking into this more closely.  There are many things in our food today that we really don't know about or understand the long term consequences of.  I also strongly encourage anyone who has ADHD to look at their diet and make positive healthy changes.  There is a wealth of information that these changes can be very beneficial to anyone diagnosed with ADHD, or anyone else for that matter.  But, I would like to point out that news stories like this can lead to some unintended consequences that can be just as harmful as the things they are pointing out.

First off in the vast majority of cases ADHD is a neurobiological condition that has been passed to someone through genetics.  While there are certainly instances where ADHD like symptoms have been caused by lead poisoning, brain trauma, or other similar events I believe that the vast majority of us simply have it due to our genes.  Secondly, ADHD is a lifespan disorder; it is a condition we can manage through a variety of methods, but we cannot be "cured".  It is important to remember these two facts as you listen to news accounts like the one I saw today because there is a real danger that people can oversimplify what they heard as it applies to ADHD.

My greatest concern when a story comes out like this is that Parents will decide that they can "fix" their children's ADHD by changing their diet, or whatever else is being discussed.  I think parents would like nothing better than to be able to remove something from their children's diets, and presto! All better.  Believe me, if I could stop eating something and get rid of my ADHD, I would be all over that.  What everyone needs to realize is that the situation is far more complex than can be communicated through a two minute news piece.  ADHD is a complex condition that can be impacted by a variety of factors.  I have no doubt that certain food additives or chemicals could absolutely worsen or intensify ADHD symptoms.  That doesn't mean eliminating the food items gets rid of the symptoms, it just means they are not as intense.  Taking Claritin or Alleve does not change the fact that you have allergies, but it does allow you to function a little better.  Similarly there are a lot of things you can do to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and diet is only one area to modify.

Once again, I think it's fantastic that the FDA is looking into this, and I hope they come up with something that will help the many parents and children that are struggling with ADHD.  But, I also think it's important to remember that sticking with things like medication, therapy, coaching, exercise, structure, and good sleep habits can help just as much.  Like so many other things in life, I fear there is no "quick fix" for ADHD.