Diet in the management of hyperkinesis: a review of the tests of Feingold's hypotheses.

Through the 1970s, Benjamin Feingold has published a series of studies in which he claimed that a diet free of salicylates, artificial food flavours and colours results in a remission of symptoms in 30 to 50 percent of children diagnosed as hyperactive. Parents of hyperactive children have responded strongly to the hypothesis and have requested that their children be placed on the diet. A series of clinical studies of the Feingold diet have produced mixed results. More recently, there have been four sets of experimental studies which have resulted in rigorous tests of the original diet and a modified diet with salicylates included but artificial additives excluded. None of the studies give unqualified support for the hypothesized diet effects, and there are reports which refute the thesis. There are findings which suggest that some hyperactive children (10 to 25 percent), particularly younger ones, respond favourably to a diet free of artificial additives. The lack of conclusive evidence dictates that additional research be conducted to test the hypothesis.