As a Paediatric Dietitian with over two decades of experience, I've witnessed firsthand the profound connection between what our little ones eat and how they behave. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on a critical aspect of children's nutrition that every parent needs to know: the startling link between food additives and behavioural challenges.

 The Nutritious Food Dilemma in Modern Parenting

Navigating the world of children's nutrition isn't just about filling lunch boxes—it's about making informed choices that support their overall health and well-being. In my years of working with families, I've seen how seemingly innocent food choices can dramatically impact a child's behaviour, concentration, and long-term health.

 The Additives Alarm: What Every Parent Should Know

When you next walk down a supermarket aisle, take a moment to flip over those colourful packaged foods. You'll be shocked by the cocktail of artificial colours, preservatives, and chemicals lurking behind those attractive labels. 

These are the following food additives that have been implicated in our kids food:

• 6 key artificial colours

• Preservatives such as Benzoates and Nitrates

• Artificial Sweeteners.

 Understanding the Science: Nutrition Meets Behaviour

Recent research has shed light on some alarming connections:

- The CDC reports that the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has nearly doubled in the past 20 years . Scientific studies show significant differences in gut microbes between children with and without ADHD (see study here)

The landmark Southhampton Study (click here to see) revealed something extraordinary - that certain food additives could increase ADHD-type behaviours by up to 30%. Professor Jim Stevenson's research concluded that mixtures of certain food colours and preservatives can adversely influence children's behaviour.

 Potential Risks: Beyond Behaviour

The additives in our children's food aren't just linked to behavioural issues. [The World Health Organization's research (study here) suggests potential risks including:

• - Increased inflammation

• - Potential cancer risks

• -  Disruption of gut microbiome

• - Potential impacts on appetite regulation

Nutrition tips to reduce food additives in kids

As a paediatric dietitian, I've developed practical strategies to help parents make better food choices:

1. Whole Foods First: 

Prioritise foods that look closest to their natural state and limit packet food as much as possible

2. Be ingredient savvy: 

Choose products with fewer, recognisable ingredients- and ingredients that you recognise.

3. Homemade is best: 

If you have the ability to make food at home, you have full control over what goes into the food and there is every chance it will be a much cleaner healthier product for your child. I have plenty of healthy kids recipes HERE  https://nourishwithkarina.com/healthy-recipes-for-kids

4. Label Literacy: 

Don’t be fooled by “no added sugar” or other health claims, because nasties can still lurk. Make sure you look for "no artificial colours or preservatives" on packaging

5. Sweetener Savvy:

Be cautious of "sugar-free" options that might contain harmful artificial sweeteners (ones I like to especially avoid are erythritol, aspartame, sucralose and saccharin).

The Global Context: Australia's Nutritional Landscape

Shockingly, when compared to [international nutrition standards set by the National Health and Medical Research Council] (https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/ )

), 90% of Australian toddler foods fail, being too high in sugar and salt. Our food labelling laws lag behind global standards, allowing practices that other countries have already banned.

This is something that I am deeply concerned about and have been interviewed on national television about [[see segment here]]  https://nourishwithkarina.com/press

The US only this month has banned the use of the 6 artificial food colours in food - which is a very positive step forward.

The UK has warning statements on foods containing these ingredients… but Australia has nothing.

Currently parents can’t trust our food standards to keep our children safe from nasty additives, therefore have to make healthy choices for their children by being informed.

 Want to Dive Deeper?

For those hungry for more detailed guidance, I've created a comprehensive resource on food additives and label reading guides in my Nourishing Kids membership. [Join the waitlist now]

For further reading:

1.Murdoch Children's Research Institute   - research linking mental health and well being

https://www.mcri.edu.au/news-stories/healthy-diets-linked-better-mental-health-and-wellbeing

2. Sydney Kids Hospital - Healthy eating for children

https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-health-hub/kids-nutrition/healthy-eating-children

3. Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Nutrition Department

https://www.rch.org.au/nutrition/resources/