[Pudding]

What do you guys know about red dye and its effects on children. Do any of you have before and after stories of when you removed red dye from your childs diet? I would appreciate any advice!

Beth

[coachmom]

I try not to give my 4 yr old red dye as it is associated with ADHD and learning difficulties. The best way to find this out is to remove it from the diet for a month or so and see if it makes any difference.
I notice a big difference when I do not let her have any of it.
Doretta

[Tinkrbel]

Beth,
As a child my younger sister was allergic to red dye, would have horrible temper tantrums, break out in hives, and lose bladder control. My parents limited the amount in her diet and the symptoms improved, she outgrew it at about age 10. But to this day I try to stay away from it, and moderate how much my DD takes in.

Hope this helps????


Stacey

[nattyloo]

Wow, I have never heard of these side effects. What I did learn recently is that some red dye is made from crushed beetles. That was enough to get me to start limiting it in my home too! Good luck with your search for answers!

[Julaine]

My oldest daughter is allergic to red dye ! We were not aware of it until she was about a year old and started drinking juices and drinks with red dye in them ! She would get a severe diaper rash and be fussy and act like she had a headache. We eliminated almost red dye from our home ! She is 18 had has not outgrown it completely although she can have a little red dye now and then . Watch lotions as well ! I was not aware of this and bought a lotion with red dye and she broke out in hives all over her body !

[praying4rlittl1]

I can't tolerate red dye at all. My mom found out when I was little and ate Red Devil's cake. I had some....intestinal upset (shall we say). I still really watch it. My youngest daughter gets headaches from it too.

[Julaine]

I forgot the intestional problems and that is her worst symptom ! Don't know how I forgot that !

[lionbird]

What kinds of food have red dye?
Thanks

[Julaine]

Most of them are obvious since it is an additive - red jello, koolaids (and not just the red ones !), cream soda, Hawaiian punch, some juicy juices, red popsicles, some candy, red velvet chocolate cake ! That is all I can think right now ! If it is red and you eat it it has red dye and some things that are not red have it in it ! Also it is in some lotions, some chapsticks, and some shave gels ! Those are the products I am familiar with and can think of right now !

[Summer95]

Wow! I never realized the effects red dye can have on a person. Thanks for sharing this information. Considering my son can be quite active at times, I'll remove products from his diet that contain red dye and see what happens. Thanks again for sharing!

[pmgor]

I decided to remove candy with colors like red 40 and coke from my sons diet due to his tantrums and because he seemed to get "addicted" to it and the difference has been day and night. He used to throw tantrums where he would scream and rage and we would have to holdhim because he would run thru the house throwing things and would everyone in sight, especially me. Since then, well he still has tantrums since he is 2 but they are so much milder. I had no idea the test was going to be so successful.

[rlf0504]

Red dyes give me terrible headaches and I can also tell behavioral differences when our son has had it. It can also be found in flavored munchies (Doritoes, chips), fruit roll-ups, liquid soaps, cosmetics, lipsticks, cereals, ice creams, candies, and other things. Best thing to do is read the labels.

Who else can add to this list?

Take care,
Rhonda

[yellowdog]

Hey Beth!! My Lily is Red Dye sensitive so I try to keep it from her. She turns into a little devil! I can't reason with her, she has rages and tantrums and is inconsolable.
Hope all is well with you! Congrats on #2!! We are going to start our paperwork soon! Lily needs a brother and we need a son!

Good to hear from you and all others with this helpful info.

Shelly
mom to Lily
dob 4-2-04
home 11-17-04

[Pudding]

Gosh I never knew that I would have such a big response over red dye issues. It sounds like I need to remove the red dye right away! I am bumping up so that others can tell us their stories and so others can learn.

Beth

[rjvpmn]

My son had issues with food coloring and also salycilates and so we removed a ton of things. We basically ate meat, potatoes and a very clean and simple diet.. it made a big difference in him. He is 10 now and is able to tolerate things better but too much and then I can see it in his attitude. There is a great site to ck out but not sure if i can list it here.. pm me if you want some more info.
Becky