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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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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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. Information expires July 2004.