As a new mother, I've recently become aware of all of the products consumed by the US on  a daily basis that are loaded with Red40, a food coloring that has been known to cause hyperactivity as well as other problems. As a result, I've been checking labels more vigilantly in order to avoid purchasing as many products containing this harmful additive as possible.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered Flintstones Vitamins contained Red40. If, like me, your OBGYN had you taking Flintstones chewable vitamins while you were pregnant and breast feeding because you had a reaction to traditional pre-natal vitamins, that would mean you were exposing your child frequently to Red40 before birth, and well into the first year or longer if you chose to breastfeed. With all of the natural coloring options that are available, I find it unacceptable for a Vitamin of all products, to be using harmful dyes.

In addition to using Red40, Flintstones vitamins also use Yellow6 and Blue2. Red40 has been linked to organ toxicity, and the effects are most commonly seen in children, mostly through hyperactivity. Yellow6 is also known to cause hyperactivity, as well as digestive problems, migraines, and even worsening an existing case of asthma. Blue2 is a derivative of coal tar, and is used frequently in coloring denim. It has also been linked to many of the side effects mentioned by the other two colorings above, and has also been associated with brain cancer. These are not things I want my child to ingest on the way to being strong and healthy.

I understand the need for distinguishing the pills from others, and even the need for flavoring. I just don't see why artificial colorings are being used over their healthier natural counterparts.

Please sign my petition, and help the new Flintstone generation to be stronger and healthier than ever before, without unnecessary chemical color additives.