• About
  • NEW Digital Handwriting Workshop
    • How to Teach Handwriting to Kids VIDEO
    • Printable Handwriting Handouts
    • Handwriting Letter Progression
  • SHOP
  • Want online therapy services?

Kids Play Smarter

Maximizing your child's play with purposeful activities

  • Fine Motor Activities
  • Gross Motor Activities
  • Handwriting Help
  • Sensory Regulation
  • Therapist’s Tips
You are here: Home / Therapist's Tips / Surprising Kid’s Products with Artificial Dyes

Surprising Kid’s Products with Artificial Dyes

August 18, 2016 by Amy Smith

Most of us realize that artificial dyes are in a huge list of colorful junk foods such as M&M’s, icing, soda pop, and Doritos.  But did you know that these same artificial dyes have found their way into less suspecting kid’s products too?  Dyes are unhealthy and can cause hyperactive behaviors. Avoid these kid products with artificial dyes.

The FDA has not yet required warning labels on foods or products with synthetic dyes, despite mounds of research studies that are finding harmful effects of artificial dyes on children.  But at least the FDA is beginning to publicly comment on the dangers of the dyes, especially as it affects children with ADHD and has released the following statement:

“For certain susceptible children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and other problem behaviors, however, the data suggest that their condition may be exacerbated by exposure to a number of substances in food, including, but not limited to, synthetic color additives.”

In addition to the FDA’s admission that food dyes can exacerbate hyperactivity behaviors, a number of other research studies have found the following side effects of artificial dyes on children:

  • Hyperactivitysad boy
  • Restlessness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Moodiness
  • DNA damage
  • Tumors
  • Cancers
  • Skin rashes
  • Asthma

The list below are common products, many of which are marketed directly towards children that contain synthetic dyes.  Although some of these products are not intended to be ingested, the artificial dyes are still absorbed through the skin and can cause the same host of negative side effects as the ingested dyes.  There are similar products from many other brands outside of the ones below that contain the artificial dyes too.  To see if your product contains dyes, check the ingredient list on the back of the box and any color with a number listed afterwards is artificial, and any ingredient listed as “artificial color” is also artificial.

Crest Kid’s Toothpaste- Contains Blue #1

crest toothpaste side

 

 

Tylenol Infant/Children’s Cold Medication- Contains Red #40

Tylenol

Sauve Kid’s Body Wash- Contains Blue #1 and Red #33sauve kids body wash

Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Body Lotion-Contains Red #33

body lotion

Lip Smacker Children’s Lip Balm –Contains Red #7,  Red #27, Yellow #5, Red #40, Red #30, Blue #1 Lake, Red #6, Yellow #6, Red #33 lip balm bubble gum

 

Softsoap Handsoap (even the clear kind)- Contains Red #33 and Blue #1softsoap

 

Flintstone Kid’s Vitamins- Contains Blue #2, Red #40, Yellow #6flintstones vitamins edited

Chloraseptic Kids Sore Throat Spray- Contains Blue #1 and Red #40sore throat spray

 

Although there are plenty of products that contain these artificial dyes, there are fortunately a growing number of companies that are making great products without them. But you need to be your own biggest advocate and check your labels carefully before purchasing items.  The Amazon product ads listed below are some of my favorites that do not contain artificial dyes.

Resources:

Journal of Pediatrics

Hidden Food Dyes

Research studies through Feingold.org

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Therapist's Tips Tagged With: artificial dyes, behavior problems, health

Disclaimer

Kids Play Smarter is a blog about general ideas, theories, and concepts related to the field of occupational therapy and the growth and development of all children. The information presented on this blog is not intended to serve as or replace occupational therapy services for your child. The information on this blog is for entertainment, informational, and educational purposes only. This blog is not meant to replace formal professional consultation or evaluation from a qualified clinician. All children need to have the approval of a physician to participate in physical activities, including those described on this blog. In addition, children need to be supervised by a responsible adult at ALL times when completing activities that are illustrated and described on this blog. The author of this blog is NOT responsible or liable for any damage, injury, accident, illness, death, or adverse reaction due to participation in the activities described on the website.

Welcome to Kids Play Smarter

Amy Smith I am an occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children. I created this website to offer parents, teachers, and therapists FREE ideas, strategies, and activities that they can do with their children to improve their fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, academic learning, and regulate their sensory system all while "playing" (just playing smarter)! Read More…

Top Posts

Joint Compressions for Calming
How to Keep Writing on the Lines
Calming "Cookie Dough"
Why Teachers Should Never Take Away Recess

Copyright © 2023 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...