E-Numbers and ADHD — The Southampton Six Explained
Six artificial food colours plus sodium benzoate were linked to hyperactivity in children by a 2007 Southampton study. In the EU and UK, foods containing any of the six colours must carry the warning: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.'
The study, published in The Lancet, found increased hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-olds and 8-9 year olds given drinks containing these additives. The EU introduced mandatory warning labels in 2010.
Practical takeaway: these colours are easy to avoid — they appear mostly in brightly coloured sweets, drinks and desserts, must be named on the label, and natural alternatives exist for all of them.
The Southampton Six + sodium benzoate
| E-Number | Name | Safety | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| E102 | Tartrazine | Some concerns | Full details |
| E104 | Quinoline Yellow | Some concerns | Full details |
| E110 | Sunset Yellow FCF | Some concerns | Full details |
| E122 | Carmoisine | Some concerns | Full details |
| E124 | Ponceau 4R | Some concerns | Full details |
| E129 | Allura Red AC | Some concerns | Full details |
| E211 | Sodium Benzoate | Some concerns | Full details |
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Natural Food Colouring
Plant-based food colours — replace the Southampton Six with natural alternatives.
Natural colours on Amazon →Additive-Free Snacks for Kids
Snacks without artificial colours — ADHD-friendly.
Food Intolerance Test
Home test kit to identify which additives or foods are affecting you.
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA. General information only — not medical or dietary advice.