PARIS —  A combination of artificial colors and the commonly-used preservative sodium benzoate are linked to hyperactivity in children, according to a study published Thursday by The Lancet.

The study's researchers suggest that by removing these artificial colors and preservatives from children's diets, parents may be able to prevent or control hyperactive behavior, AFP reports.

For the study, researchers at Southampton University recruited 153, 3-year-olds, and 144 children ages 8 and 9

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The children were assessed before and at the conclusion of the six-week study for signs of hyperactivity.

Children who received a mix that contained the food coloring and the additives displayed signs of hyperactivity at the conclusion of the study, with the 3-year-olds more adversely impacted.