A comparison of daily consumption of artificial dye-containing foods by american children and adults
Date Approved
3-14-2013
Date Posted
6-20-2013
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Health Sciences
Committee Member
Anahita Mistry, PhD, Committee Chair
Committee Member
Judi Brooks, PhD RD
Abstract
Children with developing nervous systems might be at greater risk for any potential neurobehavioral effects of color additives widespread in many foods. This study thus examined whether children consumed foods containing color additives more frequently than adults. Twenty-one adults (aged 18-60) and parents of 14 children (aged 4-7) with regular eating patterns kept detailed food records for five days. Diets were analyzed for foods containing the dyes Red #3, Red #40, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Blue #1, Blue #2 and Green #3 by comparing ingredient labels found in grocery stores and online. The number of daily dye exposures was significantly (P<0.001) greater for children (2.43 ± 0.35 exposures) than for adults (0.76 ± 0.15 exposures). Fruit and vegetable consumption was inversely correlated (- 0.63) to the number of dye exposures per day in children but not in adults (0.18). Children habitually consume more brightly colored foods with additives in lieu of nutrient dense foods.
Recommended Citation
Bell, Carol Christine, "A comparison of daily consumption of artificial dye-containing foods by american children and adults" (2013). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 468.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/468