Question
A four-year-old child particularly enjoys eating colorful snacks, and parents have noticed that the child seems restless, suspecting a possible connection to ADHD. Can colorful snacks cause ADHD?
Answer
Firstly, the consumption of dyes may deplete toxic substances in the body, interfere with normal metabolic reactions, and thereby affect the metabolism of sugar, fats, proteins, vitamins, and hormones. Clinical manifestations may include abdominal pain and indigestion. Secondly, the accumulation of synthetic pigments in the body may lead to chronic poisoning. When synthetic pigments adhere to the gastrointestinal wall, they may cause pathological changes; when adhering to urinary organs, they are more likely to induce kidney stones. Especially for children whose organs and tissues are more fragile and sensitive to chemicals, excessive intake of synthetic pigments may affect the nervous system and even lead to hyperactive behavior. Therefore, parents should pay attention to their children’s dietary habits and avoid excessive intake of colorful snacks containing synthetic pigments.