Hyperactivity: Dangerous dyes
They were never really so friendly, the countless "E-numbers"who frolic on the packaging of food and make it more colorful, more durable or creamier. But probably it is so many like me: eyes to and through, so rather not read only the information, what we stuff it all in us, otherwise one of the appetite passes before the first bite.
Of course that's naive. Allergies, which cause some additives, can now no longer be dismissed as individual fates. Almost thirty years ago, the thesis came up that so-called AZO dyes make children fidgety. At the time, however, such observations were ridiculed as maternal hysteria, with no scientific evidence whatsoever.
But recently, a British study caused quite a stir, and indeed one Relationship between a few E-numbers and child hyperactivity could prove. Exactly it concerned the synthetic Buntmacher of the numbers E 102, 110, 122, 124 and 129, above all contained in colored lemonades and sweets, as well as the preservative E211.
Actually, these results should justify a prohibition of additions: After all, they appeared in a renowned journal, the investigation was placebo-controlled and double-blind (so no one knew who got e-mix or who e-free drink) , included children of different age groups and measured activity and attention through observations, parent surveys and tests.
Irritated about unnecessary IGeL offers: ChroniquesDuVasteMonde author Antje Kunstmann
Nevertheless, the European Food Authority was not satisfied with that: The safety of the dyes is now being investigated again. Only then will it be decided if they can stay in our food. In other words, it will take time! And meanwhile, the parents have to laboriously pay attention to themselves and study labels, what their children are getting into with glaring sweets and drinks.
Although the study mentioned did indeed have some shortcomings, it also showed results that are difficult to explain: for example, three-year-olds responded more strongly to a lower dose of additive than to a higher one, and vice versa. In addition, it is still unclear how the colorful stuff in the child's brain act and could lead to increased Hibbeligkeit. Of course, it is worthwhile to examine the whole matter even more thoroughly.
However, we expect consumers to have the burden of proof now on those who want to use these substances. Instead, as for some additives, we continue in a large, uncontrolled field trial. And, as we now know, sometimes even observe the right relationships - decades before science comes to it.
