Effects of Food Dye on children and Adults

In 2004 researchers discovered that blue food dye, which crosses the blood to brain barrier, blocks an ATP receptor called P2X7 located in the central nervous system. ATP is the molecule that normally provides energy for the cell. Many cases of children diagnosed with developmental delays, sensory integration disorder (a disorder where the central nervous system is under developed), and ADHD are dye sensitive. I believe that these people are the cases where these blocked receptors are inhibiting their daily lives.

If parts of our central nervous system is being blocked, who is to say that our senses are not being deadened? Combine that with the slight high, and maybe we ignore that our body is full and reach for more? After being off of dye myself, I can see a tremendous decrease in cravings and I can listen to my body more than I ever could before. Furthermore, this may be the scientific link between dye and behavior; dye is proven to interfere with the central nervous system. Also as more children are being diagnosed with central nervous system dysfunctions comes the increase in dye that is being ingested in America.