A recent study of 79 hyperactive children has added weight to the argument that certain foods and additives aggravate the condition, if not cause it.
Of the 79 given a restricted diet, 59 of them improved. Foods and additives were then reintroduced one at a time.
A double blind crossover study in 19 of the children showed that problem foods or additives had a significant adverse effect on them.
The findings are a blow to those who hold that hyperactivity is a chemical reaction, and can be controlled with Ritalin.