go back
Foods high in refined sugar are claimed to exacerbate hyperactivity and increase aggressive behavior.
Two prominent theories supported the fact that children’s behavior is negatively impacted by consuming sugar: It is either an allergic reaction or a response to fluctuating levels of sugar in the blood: in fact, sugary snacks cause a brief spike in blood glucose, an effect called hyperglycemia. The symptoms of hyperglycemia include thirst, fatigue and irritability. However, neither theory is now backed by the data.
The idea persists because some kids maybe more sensitive to sugar, also a large study found that, when given a breakfast low in sugar and high in fiber, children cannot only experience improved mood, but also improve their short-term memory and attention span at school.2
This, however, does not discount the fact that a diet high in sugar increases the risk of diabetes, and heart disease. The American Heart association recommends that toddlers should consume no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day.1
Dr. Kawthar Alamiddine
Neonatologist
References:
1- Added sugar in kids’ diets: How much is too much? Trisha Korioth et al.,AAP News.
2- The effect of sugar on behavior or cognition in children. A meta-analysis
JAMA 1995 Nov 22-29;274(20):1617-21.
