As part of the Channel 4 programme The Food Programme “Kids special” a GP and dietician investigated traditional party food to see if sausage rolls, cakes, crisps and fizzy drinks “really send kids wild”.  

They held 2 parties, one where the children were given healthy food and a second where the children were given traditional party food including brightly coloured cakes, sweets and fizzy drinks.  

When they tested the children’s behaviour, those at the first party had: 0 mean behaviours to other children; 8 aggressive behaviours; 120 bad behaviour incidents; 30 hyperactive incidents.  Those at the second had 69 mean behaviours to other children; 63 aggressive incidents; 720 bad behaviour incidents; 163 hyperactive incidents.

Those in the healthy food group did 48% better at puzzles and motor skills than those in the additive group.  Even the GP and the Dietician were surprised at the scale of difference it made to the children.  

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May 2008

British Medical Journal press release Food Additives and Hyperactivity.