title: ADHD impacted by sulfotransferase (SULT1A) inhibition from artificial food colors and plant-based foods.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Five recent reviews have analyzed trials on the association between artificial food colors and ADHD; the 50 underlying studies and the reviews in aggregate were inconclusive. Recent work has shown human in vivo SULT1A inhibition leading to incremental catecholamines, and an inverted-U relationship between brain catecholamines and proper functioning of the prefrontal cortex where ADHD behavior can arise.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study re-examined the same underlying trials for evidence that SULT1A inhibitors were in the placebos and other inactive foods, that these "inactive" materials were symptomatic, and that ADHD symptoms exhibited an inverted-U response to SULT1A inhibition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nearly all the underlying diets, and many placebos and delivery vehicles, were found to contain SULT1A inhibitors. Eight publications provided evidence of ADHD symptoms caused by the "inactive" materials containing SULT1A inhibitors. Ten studies showed additional SULT1A inhibitors reducing the symptoms of some subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SULT1A inhibitors in foods, including natural substances and artificial food colors, have a role in ADHD that can both worsen or improve symptoms. Mechanistically, SULT1A enzymes normally deactivate catecholamines, especially dopamine formed in the intestines; SULT1A inhibition can influence brain catecholamines through the intermediary of plasma tyrosine levels, which are influenced by dopamine inhibition of intestinal tyrosine hydroxylase. Biochemical measurements focused on SULT1A activity and plasma tyrosine concentrations are proposed for future work.
authors: Katy, TX 77494, United States. Electronic address: eaglek2011@gmail.com.
authors: Ken
authors: K
authors: Eagle
mesh_terms: D015239:Arylsulfotransferase / Q000378:metabolism*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005505:Food Coloring Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010945:Plants, Edible / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D005505:Food Coloring Agents; D015239:Arylsulfotransferase; C117544:SULT1A1 protein, human
keywords: ADHD; Dopamine; Norepinephrine; SULT1A; Sulfotransferase; Tyrosine