When red was ingested by accident, we prepared for the behaviors that were sure to follow. He would become angry, he would have temper tantrums, he would throw things, he would be defiant, he would not sleep.  Waiting out the three days was our only option.

My friend was right, most doctors did not believe me. Some would appease me and prescribe medications in pill form. Others insisted on telling me that food colorings just did not cause that type of reaction.

As the years went on, my husband and I could always tell when my son had consumed something with red dye in it by his impulsiveness, his anger and his defiance. We would wait out the three days for it to be over and then life could get back to normal.

And so, although there is no scientific data to support this theory, I would suggest that parents think about this if they have a defiant or angry child. Try avoiding products with artificial food colorings for a few weeks. See if there are any behavior changes. For some children it may help. For others, there may be no change.