E NUMBERS: TAME YOUR TEARAWAY
IT'S official - food additives can turn even the most well-behaved child into a tantrum-throwing terror.
New research has proved what parents have long suspected. E numbers found in many children's foods, snacks and drinks can lead to hyperactivity and, in some cases, severe behavioural problems.
A group of 277 three-year-olds on the Isle of Wight were tested for sensitivity to food additives over a period of months by researchers from Southampton University.
Some weeks they were given a daily drink containing additives while others they had a fruit drink, which looked and tasted exactly the same. Their parents, who didn't know which drink their children had been given, were then asked to monitor their behaviour.
They reported more disruptive and inattentive behaviour on those weeks their children were given the additive-packed drinks.
WHAT E NUMBERS REALLY DO
"Manufacturers include additives and E numbers to make foods more attractive to kids," says nutritionist Patrick Holford. "Either they make them look better or taste better. "One of the worst offenders is tatrazine, which gives squash and other foods their orange colour. It also makes a significant proportion of children hyperactive. "Tatrazine is also an 'anti-nutrient' which means it depletes the body of zinc, an essential mineral for children because it boosts the immune system and reduces the risk of allergy. "In one study, four out of 10 children developed eczema or asthma within 45 minutes of being fed it." Two other main offenders are monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in some potato crisps and caffeine. Both can cause hyperactivity and behavioural problems - and some kids are more badly affected than others. "These children may already have a tendency towards hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating and problems regulating their blood sugar," says Patrick. "And serious problems arise because these brain stimulants tip them over the edge. "It's a fact that certain chemicals in foods are acting like drugs in children and should be avoided at all costs."
DIET NOT DRUGS
The top 10 additives to avoid...
E102 (Tatrazine): Colouring which causes hyperactivity in children and may lead to asthma attacks and allergic reactions. FOUND IN: Orange squash, orange/yellow-coloured sweets and medicines.
E129: Colouring which can exacerbate asthma and rhinitis. FOUND IN: Red-coloured sweets such as wine gums, red drinks and red toothpaste.
E951 (Aspartane): Commonly used sweetener which can cause headaches, blindness and seizures. FOUND IN: Squash drinks, diet drinks, bubble and chewing gum and in some reduced sugar products such as baked beans.
E210/E213: Preservative which can affect digestion and trigger allergies. FOUND IN: Squashes, flavoured waters and syrups.
E151: Black food colouring can trigger asthma and allergies. FOUND IN: Drinks such as cola, and black sweets.
E320: Preservative which can cause hyperactivity and is possibly carcinogenic (a cancer trigger). FOUND IN: Cakes and biscuits.
E226 Preservative which can cause bronchial problems, low blood pressure and anaphylactic shock and is banned in US. FOUND IN: Burgers and biscuits and other products with a shelf-life.
E621(MSG): Widely-used flavour enhancer which can lead to hyperactivity, chest pain, headaches and nausea. FOUND IN: Flavoured crisps, Chinese food and stock cubes.
E512: Colouring agent which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches. FOUND IN: Fruit juices, canned and bottled foods.
E220: Common preservative which can lead to bronchial problems and anaphylactic shock. FOUND IN: Fruit cereal bars and dried fruit to prevent it losing colour.
SOME Es ARE GOOD
Not all E numbers are bad - the following represent certain vitamins and minerals which are actually good for your kids.
Colours: E101 (Vitamin B2), E160 (Carotene, Vitamin A)
Anti-oxidants: E300-304 (Vitamin C), E306-309 (Tocopherols, like Vitamin E)
Emulsifiers: E322 (Lecithin)
Stabilisers: E375 (Niacin), E440 (Pectin)
WHAT NOT TO EAT
Most fizzy drinks, most squashes and cordials, most tap water (drink filtered or bottled)
Flavoured crisps and snacks containing flavour enhancer (Monosodium Glutamate 621)
Products containing artificial sweeteners, diet products claiming "No added sugar" or "Sugar free"
Most sweets, chocolate, chewing gum, packet mixes, gravies and stock cubes
Sugary/corn/chocolate cereals