Does Sugar Really Cause Hyperactivity?

Many parents believe that when their child consumes sugar, it makes them bounce off walls and seem more hyperactive. Still, in reality, research shows that there is no connection between the amount of sugar one consumes and their behavior. 

The Sweet Truth

Many believe the myth that sugar makes one hyperactive which is based on a study performed in the mid-1970s. In the study, a doctor removed sugar from a child’s diet and saw that their behavior improved as a result. Since then, larger studies have been performed and have shown that sugar does not cause hyperactivity. Researchers have also found that parents are more likely to think that their child is hyperactive and more energetic after consuming a beverage that has sugar in it. One study gave children a sugar-free beverage but their parents were not aware and the parents ranked the children as being more hyperactive than usual due to them thinking their child consumed sugar when they did not. 

Guilt By Association?

When children are at birthday parties many parents think that their child is acting out due to all the sugar they could be consuming. However, the child is more likely to be excited about being around their friends and having a good time making them seem more hyper than usual not due to the sugar. Experts recommend being aware of the child's environment before jumping to conclusions about it being the sugar impacting their behavior. A couple of studies even suggest that sugar can calm individuals down because it produces serotonin, a chemical that helps with the feeling of well-being.  

Get Sugar Savvy

You should be concerned about the amount of added sugar your child consumes because when they fill up on sugar-sweetened foods they tend to not have an appetite for the healthier foods. As their body grows and develops it needs healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. You do not need to restrict sweets from their diet entirely but you can offer them strategically with balance and in moderation. An example would be giving them a small bowl of frozen yogurt or ice cream and adding a healthy topping such as fresh berries.

Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/sugar-does-it-really-cause-hyperactivity