Abstract: A critical review of research in the area of hyperkinesis and food additives analyzes the design and findings of experimental and clinical studies of the hypothesized relationship between hyperkinesis and diet, proposed by Feingold in 1973. A preliminary paper concluded that scientific evidence was not available to support Feingold's claim that food additives cause hyperactivity and learning disability in many children. New data has involved 7 double-blind controlled clinical trials in which children were challenged with food additives or placebo; 2 other studies tested the total Feingold (additive-free) diet against a control diet. The problems related to research design, the results of these studies, and in vitro and animal investigations are described. No behavioral changes resembling the dramatic improvements reported anecdotally by Feingold and others were observed; nor were there episodes of behavioral deterioration in children challenged with artificial food colors. No changes in public food policy concerning the use of artificial colors by the food industry are recommended.

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