The Feingold diet was developed by Benjamin Feingold in 1973. It is an "elimination diet." This means users are told to remove foods containing artificial colors or flavors and chemicals called salicylates. Promoters of this diet believe that such ingredients may cause various disorders in children.
The Feingold diet was originally used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. It is also used for asthma, ear infections, bed-wetting, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers have found mixed results when studying the effectiveness of the Feingold diet for treating hyperactivity in children. Some studies found improvement in symptoms, but these studies have been criticized as being poorly designed. Other studies found no improvement.
- Asthma.
- Ear infection (otitis media).
- Bed-wetting.
- Seizures.
- Sleep disorders.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of the Feingold diet for these uses.
Is it Safe?
The Feingold diet was originally designed based on the theory that artificial colors and flavors and aspirin-like chemicals in foods (salicylates) cause hyperactivity or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. This theory has now been expanded to include a long list of other conditions such as asthma, infections, seizures, and many others linked to these food ingredients.
The Feingold diet is an elimination diet. It instructs users to remove foods containing artificial colors or flavors and salicylates. The first step is to eliminate all foods containing these ingredients. If improvement occurs after these foods are eliminated, then some restricted foods can be reintroduced in moderation.
Some testimonials and quasi-experimental evidence suggest that introducing these foods and additives cause symptoms of ADHD. However, higher quality research shows that the foods and additives do not cause symptoms of ADHD.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if the Feingold diet is safe or what the side effects might be, especially when used long-term. But, so far, there are no known safety concerns.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if the Feingold diet is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate or safe use of Feingold diet depends on several factors. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this diet.
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