With more than 2.5 million children in the United States medicated for ADHD and hyperactivity in 2003, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many parents, teachers and doctors continue to seek an explanation for these behaviors. Hyperactive children exhibit impulsive behaviors, as well as a shortened attention span and an increased energy level. One popular but controversial theory ties the consumption of sugar to hyperactivity, causing many parents to consider restricting sugar in their child's diet.
Significance
Despite years of anecdotal reports to the contrary, little medical evidence links ADHD and hyperactivity to sugar consumption, according to Dr. Neil K. Kaneshiro, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. While refined sugars might temporarily raise children's activity levels due to the surge of adrenaline that occurs because of rapid changes in their blood glucose levels, most children manage to control their behavior even while on the "sugar high." He further cautions that children's activity levels--and their caregivers' tolerance of them--vary dramatically.
Considerations
Pediatrician and child development expert Dr. William Sears surmises that some children might be more "sugar-sensitive" than others. According to Sears, some hyperactive children experience higher blood sugar levels following a sweet treat than children with normal activity levels, which often leads to impulsive and aggressive behaviors.
Misconceptions
Even without conclusive proof of sugar's ties to hyperactivity, over-consumption leads to tooth decay and obesity. It also promotes diabetes and heart disease--all good reasons to avoid serving it to your child. Foods with refined and processed sugars lack nutritional value and often end up replacing healthier options in children's diets. They also suppress your child's immune system, according to Sears, leading to more illnesses. Sugar foods might also contain artificial dyes and colorings, which some evidence links to hyperactive behavior, according to Kaneshiro.
Warning
If your child regularly appears more hyper than her peers or if she exhibits impulsive, aggressive behaviors, seek a medical evaluation from her primary care provider. While dietary changes might potentially help her behavior, a trained professional can offer insight into your child's behavior and guidance on how to help her.
Prevention/Solution
Add a dose of protein into sugary meals to help counter sugar's effects on blood sugar--for example, feed your child a scrambled egg in addition to high-sugar breakfast cereal. Make sure you don't feed the sugar habit by using candy or cookies as treats for good behavior or high grades. Sweeten plain yogurt, pancakes and other goodies by topping them with fresh or canned fruit instead of sugar. Use half of the recommended sugar called for in recipes and consider substituting honey, molasses or fruit concentrate for the remaining sugar.
