HC Deb 16 May 2002 vol 385 cc871-2W
Mr. Hendry

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent research his Department has carried out into potential links between ADHD in children and food supplements, food colouring and mineral deficiencies; [55046]

(2) what recent research his Department has carried out into potential links between behavioural problems among children at school and food supplements, food colouring and mineral deficiencies. [55047]

Yvette Cooper

This is a matter for the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA is aware of consumers' concerns about the possible effects of colours and other additives in food on some children. The FSA spends about £800,000 a year looking at the general area of food intolerance. This includes a project on food additives and child behaviour that has been submitted for publication and is currently undergoing peer review. In July 2000, the Independent Expert Committee, the committee on toxicity which advises the FSA, published its review of the scientific evidence on adverse reactions to food. It concluded that most adverse reactions are to natural foods rather than synthetic additives. It noted that there has been weak but conflicting evidence for an association between particular food additives and a specific condition known as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The committee concluded that in generalsome dietary changes. not necessarily the same for all children, could reduce problem behaviour in at least a few children with ADHD". Independent experts agree that the link between food additives and adverse effects on behaviour is not conclusive and that a lot more research is required in this area. The FSA will review new information on the subject of ADHD and any links it may have with food supplements, food colouring and mineral deficiencies.

Mr. Hendry

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were diagnosed with ADHD in each of the past 10 years. [55049]

Jacqui Smith

The information requested is not collected centrally. The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder of all types is estimated at around 5 per cent. of school-aged children, approximately 345,000 six to 16-year-olds in England.