From the Guidelines
No, sugar does not make children hyperactive. Despite the common belief among many parents that sugar causes hyperactivity in children, scientific research has consistently failed to find evidence supporting this connection. Multiple controlled studies have compared children who consumed sugar with those who received artificial sweeteners, and researchers observed no differences in behavior or activity levels between the groups 1. The perception that sugar causes hyperactivity likely stems from confirmation bias, where parents expect to see increased activity after sugar consumption and therefore notice normal childhood energy more. Additionally, sugar is often consumed in exciting contexts like parties or holidays, where children are naturally more stimulated and active.
While excessive sugar consumption should be limited for other health reasons such as dental health and proper nutrition, parents need not worry that occasional sweet treats will trigger hyperactive behavior in their children. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that all individuals, both adults and children, reduce their intake of free sugars to <10% energy (E) intake and suggest a further conditional recommendation of reduction to <5% E for further health benefits 1. However, these recommendations are based on the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as weight gain and dental caries, rather than any link to hyperactivity.
Children's natural energy fluctuations throughout the day are typically due to other factors like fatigue, excitement, or normal developmental stages rather than sugar intake. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) suggests that children under 2 years of age should have even lower intakes of free sugars than the <5% E recommended for older children 1. However, this recommendation is not related to hyperactivity, but rather to the overall health and nutritional needs of young children.
In terms of added sugars, both the Nordic countries and the United States recommend limiting the intake of added sugars to <10% E 1. However, these recommendations are also based on overall health and nutritional considerations, rather than any specific link to hyperactivity. The current scientific evidence does not support a link between sugar intake and hyperactivity in children, and parents should focus on promoting a balanced and healthy diet, rather than restricting sugar intake specifically to prevent hyperactivity 1.
From the Research
Sugar Intake and Hyperactivity in Children
- The relationship between sugar intake and hyperactivity in children is a topic of interest, with some studies suggesting a potential link between the two 2, 3.
- A qualitative study conducted in 2021 found that parents perceive sugar as highly negative and its consumption as harmful, with some parents believing that sugar intake can contribute to hyperactivity in children 2.
- However, another study published in 1980 notes that the term "hyperactivity" can refer to a number of different behaviors, and that children diagnosed as "hyperactive" may also exhibit other concomitant difficulties, making it challenging to determine the nature of the behavioral problem and its source 4.
- A 2019 review of dietary sugars and their impact on child health found that high added sugar intake is associated with increased obesity risk, fat deposition in the liver, and cardio-metabolic risk in children and adolescents, but does not specifically address the relationship between sugar intake and hyperactivity 3.
- A 2015 review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) notes that the disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with multiple genetic and environmental risk factors, but does not mention sugar intake as a specific risk factor 5.
- Overall, while some studies suggest a potential link between sugar intake and hyperactivity in children, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the two 2, 3.