02/19/2026
🧠✨ Therapy Thursday: What You Should Know About Red 40 ✨🧠
Have you ever noticed your child becoming more hyper, emotional, or unfocused after certain snacks?
One ingredient that may play a role for some children is Red 40 (Allura Red).
🔎 Where does it come from?
‼️Red 40 is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum. It is chemically processed and approved for use in U.S. foods — but it is not naturally occurring.
📚 Research has shown artificial food dyes may contribute to:
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty focusing
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
This can be especially noticeable in children with:
✔️ ADHD
✔️ Sensory processing challenges
✔️ Autism
✔️ Emotional regulation difficulties
Not every child reacts — but some absolutely do.
If you’re working on improving focus, mood, or behavior, a simple 2–3 week dye reduction trial can be a helpful step.
✔️ Read ingredient labels
✔️ Watch for Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6
✔️ Observe behavior changes
Small changes can sometimes create big improvements.
At Carter Healthcare, we look at the whole child — nutrition, sleep, sensory input, medical factors, and emotional support all matter. 💙
If you have questions about your child’s behavior or want guidance, we’re here to help.
