Does Eating Sugar Make A Child Hyperactive?

The idea that sugar makes children hyperactive is widespread and generally accepted. Most parents have heard that sugary foods will have kids "bouncing off the walls," but science says that sugar intake may not have the effect on kids' behavior we think it does. So, does sugar make a child hyperactive, or is there another explanation?

In this article, we'll discuss whether sugar consumption can cause hyperactivity in children, the truth about sugar, and whether some kids are indeed sensitive to sugar or not. Then, we'll discuss what the science says and the recommended sugar intake for kids.

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Does Consuming Sugar Cause Hyperactivity?

First and foremost, sugar intake does not cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by brain differences. For someone to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must meet specific criteria outlined in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Other risk factors, such as family history, have the most significant association with the development of ADHD.

Can sugar cause general hyperactivity in children, though? Surprisingly, the research shows that the answer is most likely "no," or at least, it does not appear to make kids hyper to the extent that we often assume.

The Truth About Sugar

In wellness spaces, we often hear that sugar, artificial sweeteners, and food additives make children hyperactive and cause behavior problems. Extensive research says otherwise.

A meta-analysis published in a medical journal called JAMA reviewed a total of sixteen studies on the effects of sugar on children and concluded that sugar doesn't affect children's behavior or cognitive performance. Even when intake exceeds standard dietary levels, studies show that both dietary sucrose (sugar) and aspartame (artificial sweetener) do not affect behavior or cognitive function in children.

Another study comparing the effects of three diets (one high in sugar with no artificial sweeteners, another low in sucrose that contained aspartame, and a third was low in sucrose that contained a placebo as a sweetener) on 39 behavioral and cognitive variables in kids found that there were no significant differences among the three diets.

Can sugar cause ADHD in children?

As stated above, ADHD and sugar are not directly related. Sugar does not cause ADHD. Causes of ADHD have been researched extensively and do not appear to include sugar intake. 

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A 2019 study on kids ages 6-11 concluded that no association exists between sugar consumption and the incidence of ADHD within the age group. Yet another study on fifth-grade children found the same - there was no connection between snacks high in simple sugar and ADHD development.

These findings further demystify the idea that sugar intake is connected to ADHD or hyperactivity. Why, then, might it seem that sugar causes hyperactivity in your kids?

Perception as a factor

Could the belief that sugar consumption leads to hyperactivity in children impact our perception of how it affects kids? Some research suggests that it could be a placebo effect.

In a small study on school-aged children 5-7 whose parents reported them as behaviorally "sugar sensitive," participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. In the one group, parents were told that kids had consumed sugar in a large dose, but in the control group, parents were told they received a placebo. In reality, all of the kids had consumed a placebo. Still, the parents who believed their kids had eaten sugar rated their child's behavior as more hyperactive.

So, if you swear that your child's hyperactive after eating ice cream at a birthday party, it may not quite be the case. Remember that factors like environment and stimulation can impact children's behavior and mood, too. If hyperactivity is a consistent problem for a child and they haven't yet been evaluated for ADHD, it may be worth looking into. 

There is also evidence to suggest that the times when children do consume more sugar are often fun, out of routine events that may be more likely to excite them or cause hyperactive behavior, such as Halloween or birthday parties. 

Are Some Children Sensitive To Sugar? 

Personal experience matters and can inform the way we feed our children. Whether you're a child or an adult, listening to your body matters; what works for one person might not work for another. Empirical evidence would suggest that some people, including kids, are more sensitive to sugar than others. At times, how individuals react to sugar can be impacted by medical conditions like PCOS or diabetes.

A registered dietitian may encourage several approaches for those more sugar sensitive than others. Approaches to help with sugar sensitivity can include but aren't limited to:

• Pairing high-sugar items with protein and fat to balance blood sugar
• Eating regularly to avoid drops in blood sugar
• Limiting sugary snacks and other sugary foods

All in all, everyone is highly individual when it comes to how certain foods impact them. There is nothing wrong with limiting sugar intake, and in fact, that is highly recommended - even if the idea that sugar causes hyperactivity has been disproven.

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What The Science Says

While added sugars aren't to blame for making kids hyper, it doesn't mean that sugar intake is something to ignore entirely. Science tells us that sugar consumption impacts well-being in both kids and adults, and it is something to be mindful of.

Balanced blood sugar supports mood, behavior, and performance. Most people without interfering medical conditions can achieve this with a balanced diet of regular meals and snacks containing lean protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables. A balanced and nutritious diet can prevent negative health effects such as heart disease in the long run. Excess sugar in your diet has been linked to concerns such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, so it is not something to take lightly even if it is not linked to hyperactivity. 

However, physicians generally recommend that parents do not take it to the extreme. Eliminating food groups when it is not medically necessary, referring to foods as "bad," or avoiding sugar altogether can adversely affect kids. A balanced approach with "fun foods" here and there is ideal for the majority.

Additionally, addressing any relevant nutrient deficiencies and medical conditions in children matters and can impact their behavior and mood. For personalized guidance on your child's diet, speak with a medical provider such as a registered dietician.

Recommended sugar intake

To avoid negative short or long-term health effects, it is still ideal that children avoid diets high in sugar. What exactly counts as "high in sugar," though? Looking at the recommended sugar intake by age group can give parents an idea of what to go by. The American Heart Association recommends that a child's diet contain six teaspoons of added sugar or less daily. These recommendations are geared toward children ages 2-18. Kids younger than two years old should avoid added sugars altogether.

Added sugars refer to sugars added to processed foods and differ from the sugars naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables. Children should eat the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables for their age group unless otherwise directed, such as in the case of a medically documented fructose intolerance.

Takeaway

Sugar and hyperactivity are not as connected as many parents previously believed. In multiple studies on school-age children, researchers concluded that there's little-to-no connection between sugar and hyperactivity. Similarly, it's critical to understand that ADHD is a medical condition not caused by consuming sugar. This isn’t to say that it doesn't matter what your child eats. Consuming a healthy, balanced diet is still critical for children. It's recommended that children ages 2-18 ingest six teaspoons of added sugar or less per day, whereas kids under age two should avoid added sugar altogether. Added sugar does not include naturally occurring sugar in fruits and vegetables. Personalized guidance from a medical provider is ideal for parents with questions or concerns about how diet and other factors affect their child.