A comparison of daily consumption of artificial dye-containing foods by american children and adults

<p>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.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Bell, Carol Christine

Contributors dc:contributor

• Anahita Mistry, PhD, Committee Chair
• Judi Brooks, PhD RD

• children
• diet
• food dyes
• development
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/468

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1839