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Original poster

E numbers

9 replies

saintshar · 03/06/2004 19:58

My DS1 is really driving us nut ATM. We have noticed sometimes that he can be very well behaved, then sometimes it seems as if someone has flicked a switch in him, and he becomes really 'hyper' and bad-behaved.
We started to wonder if it is something that he is eating that is not agreeing with him- E numbers and addatives etc.
So we have decided to do a kind of experiment on him (God, he sounds like a lab rat!!!!)
Cut out certain foods say for 2 Weeks to see if it makes a difference in him.
Does anyone know what are the main culprits, what we should be avoiding etc.
Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
BlossomHill · 03/06/2004 20:33

My ds always reacts on E110 which I believe is a red colouring. So we tend to avoid things like tizer and anything bright red!!!! There was recent study on this and as my dd is clinically hyperactive I should really get my act together and do exactly the same. Sometimes though the things that trigger off hyperactivity can be things like milk, cheese, marmite, bread, tomatoes, oranges. It really does depend on the child. I am not sure of the address but have you tried looking on the children's hyperactive support group as they have lots of info on this type of thing. Would be very interested in how you get on!!!

Janh · 03/06/2004 21:22

saintshar, this list is helpful - it highlights all the problem additives and also gives their full names (some manufacturers have started using those again now that people have cottoned on to Es).

The very first few are the strong colours and are marked "possible allergic reaction" - ones like this tend to be the ones that cause behavioural probs. You can click on the individual E number to get a rundown on many of them.

Janh · 03/06/2004 21:24

NB There are quite a lot with the pink "possible allergic reaction" label. Good luck!

misdee · 03/06/2004 21:26

all i know about is tartrazine(sp)

SueW · 03/06/2004 22:17

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

Flip · 03/06/2004 22:29

Sodium benzoate (crap spelling) I think it's even in Calpol. A friend of mine has to give her ds Medinol, the cheap brand paracetamol.

Try finding a load of bread without any E-numbers.

WedgiesMum · 03/06/2004 23:03

Not all e-numbers are particularly harmful, and some are naturally occuring substances or derived from natural sources. The book 'E is for Additives' is really useful (you'll find it on amazon or in any bookshop). I have a list of the additives that the Hyperactive Children's society recommend withdrawing from hyperactive childrens diets - please contact me through the site if you want a copy. They also recommend withdrawing orange juice from the diet and wholewheat products (so for example you would give organic white bread instead) and giving a multivitamin supplement (but be careful of the colours)I believe. With regards to infant paracetamol liquids I have found that the Disprol one seems to be ok as regards additives. (The real problem for Calpol is the colour, which gives an instant 'hit' so your child perks up really quickly). Sodium benzoate is evil and in most squashes/cordials, but we have found that ribena toothkind seems to be ok. Also evil are sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate which are preservatives and often used in pig products (ham/bacon). Good luck - it's made a difference for us, and I can really tell when something that my DS has been slipped into his diet (MIL is a particular pain for that).

Original poster
saintshar · 04/06/2004 11:39

Thanks Wedgiesmum, i have contacted you through 'Contact another talker.'
It would be good to know what they CAN actually eat, as there are so many things that they can't. The tip about ribena toothkind is a good one, i will look into it.
I don't want to get too fusy about this, i can see that you could get obssesed(sp) by it! (I spent well over half an hour in our local Spar last night, looking at ingredients in sweets, crisps etc, the staff must have thought i was nuts!!)
It would also be good to know what treats would be OK to give, so that Grandparents bring something when they come to visit, otherwise they will be mortified!
I think some internet research into it all will be in order later!!!!!

OP posts:
WedgiesMum · 05/06/2004 21:24

As for treats to give I have found that for my DS I can give him

  1. white marshmallows
  2. Fudge
  3. Werthers chewy toffees
  4. Carob
  5. Fruit winders and fruit spurters (but not the purple ones)

HTH WMxx

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