Children Should Eat Less Colored Food

According to researchers at Southampton University, edible artificial pigments would influence the intelligence development of children. Researchers also point out that seven artificial pigments, including tartrazine and sunset yellow, would probably lower the intelligence quotient of children by five points. As children are going through physical development, their organs are not mature enough to detoxify the external substances. Therefore, children should not eat much colored food.

However, some experts do not agree with this opinion. They argue that such experiment results are concluded from animal tests conducted in foreign countries. There is no scientific evidence, showing that artificial pigments would affect the intelligence of children.

But it is definite that artificial pigments would not help with the development of the brain. The growth of children needs a large amount of nutrition such as high quality proteins and fat. Artificial pigments do not provide any of the required nutrition, but produce toxic substances. It is also possible that arsenic or lead would be mixed into the pigments during packing and shipping. These chemicals would delay the development of nerves and the brain. Theoretically, artificial pigments are safe to use in food as long as they could meet the safety standards of our country. However, excessive pigments would lead to abnormal behavior and learning disorder. Besides, too many artificial pigments would cause allergic symptoms, such as asthma, rhinitis, hives and headaches. Some inferior pigments would influence the function of nerves and fail the transmission of nerve impulses.

At present, there are many problems of artificial pigments. The amount of usage has not been under control. Some manufacturers use a great amount of pigments in order that products look attractive. It is safe to eat colored food once or twice. Consumers are not suggested to eat such food frequently because the toxins would accumulate in the human body and cause disorders of organs.

Doctors and health consultants suggest that parents should control the diet of children. Food and beverage in bright colors should be avoided because sunset yellow, lemon yellow or carmine pigments may be used. It is wise for parents to read the ingredient lists before purchasing. In one word, children are not suitable to eat food with artificial pigments. Snacks such as jellies, candies, bubble gums and carbonated drinks are not always healthy. If possible, natural food should be preferred. For example, green vegetables not only look attractive, but also provide nutrition likechlorophyll and vitamins.