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Feingold Diet Information
The Feingold diet was established by Benjamin Feingold, MD, a pediatrician and allergist.
It identifies and eliminates all synthetic colorings and flavorings, certain preservatives,
and salicylates (chemicals similar to aspirin
that are found in a wide variety of foods) from the diet. These substances are believed to be
linked to behavior disorders, such as hyperactivity, learning problems, and attention deficit disorder in sensitive children and
some adults.
Why do people follow this diet?
Children, and some adults, diagnosed with or suspected to have attention
deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD) often follow this diet. Some people follow
it to avoid food additives.
What do the advocates say?
The Feingold diet was developed on the premise that salicylates are an underlying cause of
hyperactivity. In studies where markedly different levels of salicylates were investigated, a
causative role for salicylates could be detected in some hyperactive children. As many as 10
to 25% of all children may be sensitive to salicylates. The success of the diet may depend on
the degree of a person’s sensitivity to salicylates and food additives, and the amount
of additives present in foods.
According to the Feingold Association, children under six years of age respond within one
week of following the diet; children over six may need to follow the diet for two to six weeks
to achieve positive results.
What do the critics say?
In some studies, the hypothesis that salicylates are an underlying cause of hyperactivity
does not appear to hold up. The Feingold diet is complex and requires guidance from either the
Feingold Association or a healthcare professional familiar with the Feingold diet.
What do I need to avoid?
Limiting intake of salicylates—aspirin-like compounds that occur in many fruits and vegetables—is the basis of the Feingold diet.
Under the guidance of a practitioner knowledgeable in the Feingold diet, individuals with a
sensitivity (or suspected sensitivity) to salicylates should avoid all foods containing
salicylates to see if symptoms improve. Dr. Feingold recommends that children who are
sensitive to salicylates simply avoid the following foods and substances:
In addition to salicylates, the following ingredients and additives should be avoided.
These may be found not only in foods, but also in cleaning supplies, art supplies, and
toiletries.
- Adipic acid
- Antioxidants (can contain the
preservatives BHA, BHT, or TBHQ)
- BHA (Bishydroxyanisoile)
- BHT (Bishydroxytoluene)
- Benzoates, including sodium benzoate and benzoic acid
- Carminic acid
- Cochineal
- Colorings: Tartrazine (Yellow 5), Qiunoline Yellow, Yello 2G, Sunset Yellow FCF,
carmoisine (red), Amaranth (Red No. 2), Ponceau (Red No. 4), Erythrocine (Red No. 3), Red 2G,
Allura Red 2C, Patent Blue, Indigo Carmine (Blue) Brilliant Blue FCF, Black, Vegetable carbon
(banned in the U.S.), Brown FK, and Chocolate Brown HT
- Concentrates
- Corn syrup
- Flavoring (may contain adipic acid or many other compounds)
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP, may contain MSG)
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG, flavor enhancer)
- Natural coloring (may contain salicylates)
- Natural flavoring (may contain salicylates or MSG)
- Nitrites
- Oil (an contain the preservatives BHA,
BHT, or TBHQ)
- Sulfur (sulphur) dioxide
- Sulfites (sulphites), including sodium sulfite (sulphate), sodium bisulfite (bisulphate),
sodium metabisulfite (metabisulphite), potassium bisulfite (bisulphate), and potassium
metabisulfite (metabisulphite)
- TBHQ (Tertiary butyl hydroquinone)
- Vitamin A palmitate (can contain the
preservatives BHA, BHT, or TBHQ)
Are there any groups or books?
Feingold Association of the United States
PO Box 6550
Alexandria, VA 22306
http://www.feingold.org
NY: Shirley at 631–369–9340 (10:00 am–3:00 pm, Eastern Time)
CA: Colleen at 909–685–0924
CA: Lynn at 408–268–6270 (24-hour fax)
Bibliography
Harley JP, Ray RS, Tomasi L, et al. Hyperkinesis and food additives:
Testing the Feingold hypothesis. Pediatrics 1978;61:818–21.
Levy F, Dumbrell S, Hobbes G, et al. Hyperkinesis and diet: A
double-blind crossover trial with a tartrazine challenge. Med J Aust
1978;1:61–4.
Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S. Krause’s Food Nutrition and Diet
Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000.
Williams JI, Cram DM. Diet in the management of hyperkinesis: A review
of the tests of Feingold’s hypotheses. Can Psychiatr Assoc J
1978;23:241–8 [review].
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Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
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company.
Learn more about the authors of
Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications.
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