Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Your child may benefit by excluding following artificial colours and preservatives from their diet.
This diet should be followed for at least six weeks.
Check the labels on all manufactured foods carefully and avoid those with the following E numbers. Fresh, rather than processed foods are better for children following this diet.
Colours - azo dyes (E100-180)
|
E102 Tartrazine |
E131 Patent Blue |
|
E104 Quinoline yellow |
E132 Indigo Carmine |
|
E107 Yellow 2G |
E133 Brilliant Blue |
|
E110 Sunset yellow |
E142 Green S |
|
E122 Carmoisine |
E151 Black PN |
|
E123 Amaranth |
E154 Brown FK |
|
E124 Ponceau 4R |
E155 Brown HT |
|
E129 Allura red |
E180 Litholrubine BK |
(The colours highlighted in bold have been linked to a negative effect
on children’s behaviour)
Preservatives (E200-290)
|
E210 Benzoic Acid |
E211 Sodium Benzoate |
|
E250 Sodium Nitrite |
E212-E219 Other benzoates |
|
E249 Potassium Nitrite |
E251 Sodium Nitrate |
|
E252 Potassium Nitrate |
E220 Sulphites |
(The colours highlighted in bold have been linked to a negative effect
on children’s behaviour)
Antioxidants (E300-322)
|
E320 BHA |
E321 BHT |
Flavour Enhancers
E621 (Monosodium Glutamate) E622 (Monopotassium Glutamate)
Sweeteners
|
E951 Aspartame |
E950 Acesulfame - k |
|
E962 |
E954 Saccharin |
E Numbers
These identify food additives approved for use within the EU. They are listed by name or E number e.g. ‘colour tartaric or colour ‘E102’ in the ingredient list. The ingredient list also tells you what job an additive does such as adding colour or acting as a preservative.
Some additives, particularly the flavour enhancers, do not have E numbers. This means that they are allowed in the UK but are not yet included in the EU list.
Many supermarkets publish their own lists of foods containing colours and preservatives.
Caffeine
This is a naturally occurring stimulant found in some foods and drinks and should be avoided as much as possible. It is found in coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, cocoa, Red Bull and other stimulant drinks.
Glycerol
Glycerol (E 422) is permitted for use in flavoured drinks, it is commonly used in the production of slush ice drinks, giving drinks their slush properties and preventing liquid from freezing solid. Excessive consumption in children can lead to them becoming unwell. It is recommended that children under seven years should not consume drinks containing Glycerol, and children under 10 years should have a maximum of one 350ml drink per day.
Further Reading
BDA Food Fact Sheet—Diet, Behaviour and learning in children (published Jan 2017) w.com/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
DT/071
Approval date:
21 May 2026
Review date:
1 May 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.