Some artificial food additives commonly found in children's snacks could be a dangerous cocktail for nerve cells, particularly when combined, and may even cause hyperactivity or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to new research conducted at the University of Liverpool (Toxicological Sciences, 2006, vol. 90, no. 1). In the study, nerve cells exposed to combinations of additives (in the amount found in typical snacks) experienced stunted growth and disrupted signaling. Those tested included monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), and artificial colorings brilliant blue and quinoline yellow. Here's a quick cheat-sheet for avoiding these additives.