“My question relates to sugar and children. All of us know that we should all try and reduce our own and our children’s sugar intake for all sorts of health reasons but I have a lot of friends convinced that sugar intake is linked to hyperactivity and negative behaviour in their children. My own belief is that usually this is conincidental, that is circumstances and events that effect children’s behaviour. I would like to know is there genuinely any evidence that links hyperactivity and sugar or any other food intake like food colours or artificial additives? I thought this might be an interesting discussion as it’s something I think that affects a lot of parents. I would be very interested in your views.”
As always, not my views 😉. I stick to the evidence.
The idea that sugar itself doesn’t affect children’s behaviour has been discussed alot. On the whole, the evidence would agree with you. Studies haven’t been able to show a direct link between sugar and behaviour — however, the most recent studies have allowed in their conclusions that it is possible that it may be a factor in certain children.
Is it that clear cut though? Not always. Sugary snacks and diets are linked to many other risk factors for behavioural problems. For example, children with frequent sugary snacking are more likely to spend time in front of screens, with its own well-studied health and behaviour effects.
What HAS been shown in studies is that poor diet (includes high sugar intake) directly affects children’s sleep (so critical for children!) and poor sleep quality directly affects behaviour.
Sugar in children’s diet is a problem for health. A big one! Added sugars in children’s diets are directly linked to to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity-related cancers, and dental cavities/tooth loss. Current recommendations: children consume ≤25 g (100 cal or ≈6 teaspoons) of added sugars per day and to avoid added sugars for children <2 years of age. Few children achieve that.
The effect of food additives (artificial colors and flavors, preservatives) on the behavior of children is an active area of investigation. The issue remains controversial. Studies since 1970’s have yielded mixed results. Major practice guidelines for the treatment of behavioural problems, including ADHD and for food allergy management do not routinely recommend elimination of food additives.
Worth mentioning while we are here: A dangerous area of complementary/alternative therapy are “elimination diets” for behavioural reasons in children, usually by unregistered nutritionists. These are not supported by any paediatric guidelines, and in the few cases that they are recommended by your paediatrician, should only be done under guidance of an INDI-registered dietician. [If you are new to following us: all alternative and complementary therapy isn’t bad, but does require a savvy mammy to make safe choices
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