The Feingold diet was established by Benjamin Feingold, MD, a pediatrician and allergist.
According to the Feingold Association, in stage one of the program, a group of naturally
occurring salicylates are removed from a person's diet and, after a favorable response is
seen, reintroduced in stage two as long as the person tolerates them (salicylates are
aspirin-like compounds that occur in many fruits, a few vegetables, and certain other foods);
other substances, such as synthetic dyes, artificial flavors, and several specific
preservatives are eliminated entirely. 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.
Why do people follow this diet?
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.
What do the advocates say?
The Feingold diet was developed on the premise that salicylates may trigger 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.
What do the critics say?
In some studies, the hypothesis that salicylates contribute to 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.
What do I need to avoid?
The Feingold Association recommends that naturally occurring salicylates are removed from
the diet in the early weeks of the program. Under the guidance of a practitioner knowledgeable
in the Feingold diet, people with a sensitivity (or suspected sensitivity) to salicylates
should avoid all foods containing salicylates to see if symptoms improve. These include:
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.
- Synthetic dyes
- Artificial flavorings (including the synthetic sweetener aspartame)
- Three preservatives: BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole); BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene); and
TBHQ (tertiary butyl hydroquinone)
Best bets
Nonsalicylate fruits that may be eaten at any stage of the program include:
During stage two, all foods free of synthetic additives are acceptable, including, but not
limited to:
Are there any groups or books?
Feingold Association of the United States (FAUS)
554 East Main Street, Suite 301
Riverhead, NY 11901
www.feingold.org
Bibliography
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].