Monday, September 24, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Artificial Food Additives May Increase Hyperactivity in Children
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/562631?src=mp
September 10, 2007 — Artificial food color and additives commonly found in children's food increase the mean level of hyperactivity in children aged 3 years and 8 to 9 years, according to the results of a community-based, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge study published online September 6 in The Lancet.
"Artificial food colours and other food additives (AFCA) have long been suggested to affect behaviour in children," write Donna McCann, PhD, from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, and colleagues. "Despite the failure of early studies to identify the range of proposed adverse affects, a recent meta-analysis of double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials has shown a significant effect of AFCA on the behaviour of children with ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder]. The possible benefit in a reduction in the level of hyperactivity of the general population by the removal of AFCA from the diet is less well established."
The investigators randomized 153 three-year-old and 144 eight- to nine-year-old children to receive a challenge drink containing sodium benzoate and 1 of 2 artificial-food-color-and-additive mixes (A or B) or a placebo mix. The primary outcome measure was a global hyperactivity aggregate, derived from aggregated z scores of observed behaviors and teacher and parent ratings, as well as from a computerized test of attention for 8- to 9-year-old children.
For reasons not related to childhood behavior, 16 three-year-old children and 14 eight- to nine-year-old children dropped out of the study. Compared with placebo, mix A, but not mix B, had a significantly adverse effect on the global hyperactivity aggregate for all 3-year-old children (effect size, 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01 - 0.39; P = .044). When the analysis was restricted only to those 3-year-old children who consumed more than 85% of juice and had no missing data, the findings were similar (effect size, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.05 - 0.60; P = .02).
For 8- to 9-year-old children who consumed at least 85% of drinks and had no missing data, there were significantly adverse effects compared with placebo for either mix A (effect size, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02 - 0.23; P = .023) or mix B (effect size, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.07 - 0.28; P = .001).
"Artificial colours or a sodium benzoate preservative (or both) in the diet result in increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the general population," the authors write. "We recorded substantial individual differences in the response of children to the additives. For both age groups, no significant effect of social and demographic factors was seen on the initial level of GHA [global hyperactivity aggregate] or in the moderation of the challenge effects."
Study limitations include inability to determine specific compounds in the mix that are harmful and lack of control over when the challenges are ingested in relation to the timing of measures of hyperactivity.
"Although the use of artificial colouring in food manufacture might seem superfluous, the same cannot be said for sodium benzoate, which has an important preservative function," the authors conclude. "The implications of these results for the regulation of food additive use could be substantial."
The Food Standards Agency funded this study. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Lancet. Published online September 6, 2007.
Clinical Context
According to the authors of the current study, artificial food colors and additives have been shown to affect behavior in children, with an increase in overactive, impulsive, and inattentive behavior, (ie, hyperactivity, similar to that seen in children with ADHD). A recent meta-analysis showed a significant effect of artificial food color and additives on the behavior of children with ADHD, with an effect size of 0.21 to 0.28.
This is a community-based, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, crossover, food challenge study designed to examine the effect of 2 types of artificial food color and additive preparations (representing typical consumption of sweets or candies) on 3- and 8- to 9-year-old children.
Study Highlights
Included were 3-year-old children from nurseries, preschool groups, and play groups and schoolchildren aged 8 to 9 years from 1 city in England.
Teachers completed a baseline hyperactivity questionnaire for all children.
Dieticians completed a food intake report based on 24-hour recall to assess the amount of food consumed with food additives and coloring.
3 drink mixes were used to represent typical daily sweet intakes for children in this area.
Mix A for the 3-year-old children included 20 mg of artificial food colorings (sunset yellow, 5 mg; carmoisine, 2.5 mg; tartrazine, 7.5 mg; and ponceau 4R, 5 mg) and 45 mg of sodium benzoate.
Mix B contained 30 mg of artificial food colorings and 45 mg of sodium benzoate.
For 9-year-old children, the total amount of artificial coloring was multiplied by 1.25 to reflect higher intakes by children in this age group, but 45 mg of sodium benzoate was used for mixes A and B.
Doses for mix A were similar to those in two 56-g bags of sweets and, for mix B, 4 bags of sweets daily.
Children were randomized to 1 of 6 sequences for 6 weeks of mix A, mix B, or placebo.
Children spent a week consuming their typical diet followed by a washout period of 6 weeks.
During this 6-week period, children consumed the challenge mix and mixed fruit juices at home, provided in identical sealed bottles.
A separate masked test in young adults showed that the 3 drinks could not be differentiated by taste or appearance.
Parents completed a daily diary of juice mix consumption.
A global hyperactivity aggregate (with higher score representing more hyperactivity) was calculated, based on 3 measures in 3-year-old children and 4 measures in 8- to 9-year-old children.
The 3 measures used for both age groups were ADHD rating scale IV (for teachers), Weiss-Perry-Peters hyperactivity scale for parents, and the classroom observation code used by trained observers.
A fourth measure for 8- to 9-year-old children only was the Conners continuous performance test II using 4 scores and visual stimuli of 14-minutes' duration to assess hyperactivity.
The global hyperactivity aggregate was a composite of the tests used with baseline score standardized as 0.
85% of children were white, 33% to 43% of parents had lower occupations, and 82% were married or cohabiting.
3-year-old children (n = 136):
Mean age was 43.5 months, half were boys, 10% did not complete the study, and 93% consumed more than 85% of drinks.
76% had complete global hyperactivity aggregate data.
The effect of mix A was significant for increasing global hyperactivity aggregate score (P = .044), whereas mix B did not increase scores.
The effect of mix B was highly variable, with substantial individual differences.
The effect size was 0.20 for mix A.
8- to 9-year-old children (n = 119):
Mean age was 106.3 months, half were boys, 10% did not complete the study, and 75% consumed 85% or more of the drinks during the challenge weeks.
The effects of mixes A and B on global hyperactivity aggregate score were significantly greater than that of placebo for complete case groups (P = .023 and
P = .001, respectively).
The effect size was 0.12 for mix A and 0.17 for mix B.
Pearls for Practice
Consumption of a low-dose mix of artificial food color and additives is associated with increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old children.
Consumption of 2 different doses of artificial food color and additives is associated with increased hyperactivity in 8- to 9-year-old children.
Medscape Medical News 2007. ©2007 Medscape
September 10, 2007 — Artificial food color and additives commonly found in children's food increase the mean level of hyperactivity in children aged 3 years and 8 to 9 years, according to the results of a community-based, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge study published online September 6 in The Lancet.
"Artificial food colours and other food additives (AFCA) have long been suggested to affect behaviour in children," write Donna McCann, PhD, from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom, and colleagues. "Despite the failure of early studies to identify the range of proposed adverse affects, a recent meta-analysis of double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials has shown a significant effect of AFCA on the behaviour of children with ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder]. The possible benefit in a reduction in the level of hyperactivity of the general population by the removal of AFCA from the diet is less well established."
The investigators randomized 153 three-year-old and 144 eight- to nine-year-old children to receive a challenge drink containing sodium benzoate and 1 of 2 artificial-food-color-and-additive mixes (A or B) or a placebo mix. The primary outcome measure was a global hyperactivity aggregate, derived from aggregated z scores of observed behaviors and teacher and parent ratings, as well as from a computerized test of attention for 8- to 9-year-old children.
For reasons not related to childhood behavior, 16 three-year-old children and 14 eight- to nine-year-old children dropped out of the study. Compared with placebo, mix A, but not mix B, had a significantly adverse effect on the global hyperactivity aggregate for all 3-year-old children (effect size, 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01 - 0.39; P = .044). When the analysis was restricted only to those 3-year-old children who consumed more than 85% of juice and had no missing data, the findings were similar (effect size, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.05 - 0.60; P = .02).
For 8- to 9-year-old children who consumed at least 85% of drinks and had no missing data, there were significantly adverse effects compared with placebo for either mix A (effect size, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02 - 0.23; P = .023) or mix B (effect size, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.07 - 0.28; P = .001).
"Artificial colours or a sodium benzoate preservative (or both) in the diet result in increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the general population," the authors write. "We recorded substantial individual differences in the response of children to the additives. For both age groups, no significant effect of social and demographic factors was seen on the initial level of GHA [global hyperactivity aggregate] or in the moderation of the challenge effects."
Study limitations include inability to determine specific compounds in the mix that are harmful and lack of control over when the challenges are ingested in relation to the timing of measures of hyperactivity.
"Although the use of artificial colouring in food manufacture might seem superfluous, the same cannot be said for sodium benzoate, which has an important preservative function," the authors conclude. "The implications of these results for the regulation of food additive use could be substantial."
The Food Standards Agency funded this study. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Lancet. Published online September 6, 2007.
Clinical Context
According to the authors of the current study, artificial food colors and additives have been shown to affect behavior in children, with an increase in overactive, impulsive, and inattentive behavior, (ie, hyperactivity, similar to that seen in children with ADHD). A recent meta-analysis showed a significant effect of artificial food color and additives on the behavior of children with ADHD, with an effect size of 0.21 to 0.28.
This is a community-based, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, crossover, food challenge study designed to examine the effect of 2 types of artificial food color and additive preparations (representing typical consumption of sweets or candies) on 3- and 8- to 9-year-old children.
Study Highlights
Included were 3-year-old children from nurseries, preschool groups, and play groups and schoolchildren aged 8 to 9 years from 1 city in England.
Teachers completed a baseline hyperactivity questionnaire for all children.
Dieticians completed a food intake report based on 24-hour recall to assess the amount of food consumed with food additives and coloring.
3 drink mixes were used to represent typical daily sweet intakes for children in this area.
Mix A for the 3-year-old children included 20 mg of artificial food colorings (sunset yellow, 5 mg; carmoisine, 2.5 mg; tartrazine, 7.5 mg; and ponceau 4R, 5 mg) and 45 mg of sodium benzoate.
Mix B contained 30 mg of artificial food colorings and 45 mg of sodium benzoate.
For 9-year-old children, the total amount of artificial coloring was multiplied by 1.25 to reflect higher intakes by children in this age group, but 45 mg of sodium benzoate was used for mixes A and B.
Doses for mix A were similar to those in two 56-g bags of sweets and, for mix B, 4 bags of sweets daily.
Children were randomized to 1 of 6 sequences for 6 weeks of mix A, mix B, or placebo.
Children spent a week consuming their typical diet followed by a washout period of 6 weeks.
During this 6-week period, children consumed the challenge mix and mixed fruit juices at home, provided in identical sealed bottles.
A separate masked test in young adults showed that the 3 drinks could not be differentiated by taste or appearance.
Parents completed a daily diary of juice mix consumption.
A global hyperactivity aggregate (with higher score representing more hyperactivity) was calculated, based on 3 measures in 3-year-old children and 4 measures in 8- to 9-year-old children.
The 3 measures used for both age groups were ADHD rating scale IV (for teachers), Weiss-Perry-Peters hyperactivity scale for parents, and the classroom observation code used by trained observers.
A fourth measure for 8- to 9-year-old children only was the Conners continuous performance test II using 4 scores and visual stimuli of 14-minutes' duration to assess hyperactivity.
The global hyperactivity aggregate was a composite of the tests used with baseline score standardized as 0.
85% of children were white, 33% to 43% of parents had lower occupations, and 82% were married or cohabiting.
3-year-old children (n = 136):
Mean age was 43.5 months, half were boys, 10% did not complete the study, and 93% consumed more than 85% of drinks.
76% had complete global hyperactivity aggregate data.
The effect of mix A was significant for increasing global hyperactivity aggregate score (P = .044), whereas mix B did not increase scores.
The effect of mix B was highly variable, with substantial individual differences.
The effect size was 0.20 for mix A.
8- to 9-year-old children (n = 119):
Mean age was 106.3 months, half were boys, 10% did not complete the study, and 75% consumed 85% or more of the drinks during the challenge weeks.
The effects of mixes A and B on global hyperactivity aggregate score were significantly greater than that of placebo for complete case groups (P = .023 and
P = .001, respectively).
The effect size was 0.12 for mix A and 0.17 for mix B.
Pearls for Practice
Consumption of a low-dose mix of artificial food color and additives is associated with increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old children.
Consumption of 2 different doses of artificial food color and additives is associated with increased hyperactivity in 8- to 9-year-old children.
Medscape Medical News 2007. ©2007 Medscape
Monday, September 17, 2007
Why I gave up the Emmy's.
This is the first year in I don't know how many years that I have not watched the Emmy awards. And no it's not because I didn't know they were on. And no it's not because I don't own a tv. And no It's not because I'm not an award show junkie, well, I was.
Excess. It's too much excess. Gift bags for presenters that near $10,000, attendees wearing Millions of dollars worth of jewelry, the party's, the food, the clothing.... All this so they can applaud for each other for DOING THEIR JOB! All this while some kid (lots of kids actually) was going to bed hungry. All this while another family is loosing their home to foreclosure. All this while America's best are overseas fighting in a war and dying and not having the proper equipment. But I'm sure it's all Bush's fault. And trust me,I'm no Bush fan.
How about instead of a night of excess these fine actors these actors donate their time, money, and resources to something that ISN'T ALL ABOUT THEM! How about the give that cute little golden statue to the fine citizens of America that work their asses off to provide for their families? How about giving it to someone who is living real drama, not just playing it on TV?
I might just throw my TV out the window. Seriously.
Excess. It's too much excess. Gift bags for presenters that near $10,000, attendees wearing Millions of dollars worth of jewelry, the party's, the food, the clothing.... All this so they can applaud for each other for DOING THEIR JOB! All this while some kid (lots of kids actually) was going to bed hungry. All this while another family is loosing their home to foreclosure. All this while America's best are overseas fighting in a war and dying and not having the proper equipment. But I'm sure it's all Bush's fault. And trust me,I'm no Bush fan.
How about instead of a night of excess these fine actors these actors donate their time, money, and resources to something that ISN'T ALL ABOUT THEM! How about the give that cute little golden statue to the fine citizens of America that work their asses off to provide for their families? How about giving it to someone who is living real drama, not just playing it on TV?
I might just throw my TV out the window. Seriously.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Painting clothespins
We painted clothespins the other day for our art area above the children's desk (see Homeschooling blog for photos). They turned out really great and not too too messy!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A story, by Carter
A big crazy chicken who is following a path to a river and the path breaks and the chicken falls in the water.
Volcanoes
Carter has been quite interested in volcanoes for awhile now. We've read books, talked about them, watched videos on youtube (what a great educations tool, who knew?), and finally made our own! Thanks for my friend Sally for her creativity in the design (are you there Sally?).
This is a disposable plastic wear, upside down, hole cut out of center, film canister placed inside. Covered in play dough (we save it and reuse it every time), then you know the trick....baking soda, colored vingear....the MAGIC happens and volcanoes erupt!!
Fun, fun, fun!
This is a disposable plastic wear, upside down, hole cut out of center, film canister placed inside. Covered in play dough (we save it and reuse it every time), then you know the trick....baking soda, colored vingear....the MAGIC happens and volcanoes erupt!!
Fun, fun, fun!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
More videos (yes, I know it's sideways, turn your computer around!)
yes, more videos and stuff of the kids. I dunno, it might be boring to you, but it amuses me :) First up. Skye ate a green crayon. I'm not sure how much she ate of it (maybe all ?!?) but she had the green teeth and THAT look (see video) afterward. Another adorable, must.not.forget. moment! I have to youtube the videos as my favorite (dropshots) is having problems with the new format ???
Second, Carter learned to swing this year! He actually never liked swinging before this year. Not ever. But now he loves it and can do it all by himself! Skye has always loved to swing.
Second, Carter learned to swing this year! He actually never liked swinging before this year. Not ever. But now he loves it and can do it all by himself! Skye has always loved to swing.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Homeschooling
Ok, the poll decided, unanimously, that the preschool blog should stay. And Paul and Julie's suggestion of making categories is already in the works.
So, now on to homeschooling. Why homeschool? Well, the answer will be different for every family. For us, it's simply an extension of what we are already doing. It feels very natural to me. I want my kids to be passionate about learning and to be able to explore and learn subjects they are interested in. All that said, we are making a year by year decision. So next year, we will see. But this year, we are all very happy with our decision. I am a newbie in all of this, but it's a learning process for me too! There are plenty of other homeschoolers out there with much more experience than me, I hope to learn from them!
FAQ's
Are you using a curriculum?
Well, mostly no. We learn in everything we do. I guess if you must label us we are unschoolers, but I hate those silly labels. We are just doing what feels right for our family, call it what you like. We learn by living. Example; we might go to a planetarium and partake in a preschool show. Then we will go to the library and check out books on solar system. Have lots of conversations about planets, maybe color a sheet I've printed off. This could go on for days, or weeks, we could put the subject away and not explore it again for a year.
Socialization?
This one always kills me. Have you met my kids? They are EXTREMLY social. They can talk to adults and kids of ALL AGES, not just their own. Just because it's called HOMEschooling doesn't mean we are at home. We are at the museum, the park, the beach, the library, the store, the cider mill, petting farm...and on and on. We aren't tied to any schedule, other that our own! This fall we are taking a tumbling class with a local homeschooling group. We are in Nature Tots and library story times (which include circle time, fingerplays and usually a craft).
So, you think public schools are bad?
No. I think that many kids do very well in schools and my kids may one day too.
I can't teach my kids, I don't know anything about (insert math, science, foreign language).
We all learn as we go. I don't think I know it all, but I do know where to find the answer!
All that said, this has been one of the most difficult decisions for me to make. Never have I been more back and forth or have written more pro and con lists in my life!
So, here is our learning room (aka, our office). I have tried to create an environment that welcomes learning in a way that is easy to do, easy to clean up and comfortable for everyone.
So, now on to homeschooling. Why homeschool? Well, the answer will be different for every family. For us, it's simply an extension of what we are already doing. It feels very natural to me. I want my kids to be passionate about learning and to be able to explore and learn subjects they are interested in. All that said, we are making a year by year decision. So next year, we will see. But this year, we are all very happy with our decision. I am a newbie in all of this, but it's a learning process for me too! There are plenty of other homeschoolers out there with much more experience than me, I hope to learn from them!
FAQ's
Are you using a curriculum?
Well, mostly no. We learn in everything we do. I guess if you must label us we are unschoolers, but I hate those silly labels. We are just doing what feels right for our family, call it what you like. We learn by living. Example; we might go to a planetarium and partake in a preschool show. Then we will go to the library and check out books on solar system. Have lots of conversations about planets, maybe color a sheet I've printed off. This could go on for days, or weeks, we could put the subject away and not explore it again for a year.
Socialization?
This one always kills me. Have you met my kids? They are EXTREMLY social. They can talk to adults and kids of ALL AGES, not just their own. Just because it's called HOMEschooling doesn't mean we are at home. We are at the museum, the park, the beach, the library, the store, the cider mill, petting farm...and on and on. We aren't tied to any schedule, other that our own! This fall we are taking a tumbling class with a local homeschooling group. We are in Nature Tots and library story times (which include circle time, fingerplays and usually a craft).
So, you think public schools are bad?
No. I think that many kids do very well in schools and my kids may one day too.
I can't teach my kids, I don't know anything about (insert math, science, foreign language).
We all learn as we go. I don't think I know it all, but I do know where to find the answer!
All that said, this has been one of the most difficult decisions for me to make. Never have I been more back and forth or have written more pro and con lists in my life!
So, here is our learning room (aka, our office). I have tried to create an environment that welcomes learning in a way that is easy to do, easy to clean up and comfortable for everyone.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
This is not a sponsored message
I just love Penzey's and if you have one near you, you must go! While you are there sign up for their catalog. Every few months they send me one I can drool over and it usually has a coupon for a free jar of spice inside!
Don't miss spices from Penzey's
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysfours.html
the smoky is out of this world yum!
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeyscrouton.html
the possibilities are endless!
Go, explore your favorites, just go!
Don't miss spices from Penzey's
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysfours.html
the smoky is out of this world yum!
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeyscrouton.html
the possibilities are endless!
Go, explore your favorites, just go!
A visit from our Chicago family!
We had such a great time :) Thanks for spending the day with us, wish we'd had more time!!
(hey Adam, you made 'the blog'!!)
(hey Adam, you made 'the blog'!!)
Monday, September 3, 2007
Take a Poll!
I added a poll to the top of the page. Please take it.
I want to blog about the homeschool type things I do with the kids. I'm trying to decide if it needs to be a separate blog or not. So, vote and I'll let you decide!
Also, after talking to my biggest fans ;) (you know who you are!) I've been inspired, so look for some new posts and so posts of a different nature!
I want to blog about the homeschool type things I do with the kids. I'm trying to decide if it needs to be a separate blog or not. So, vote and I'll let you decide!
Also, after talking to my biggest fans ;) (you know who you are!) I've been inspired, so look for some new posts and so posts of a different nature!
Saturday, September 1, 2007
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