What Are The Effects Of Too Much Sugar In A Diet On Temperament?

You probably have heard of the long-held belief that too much sugar causes behavior changes -- specifically hyperactivity -- in children, and you may also have heard of data that possibly debunks that theory. The influence of sugar on behavior continues to be a controversial and much-debated subject, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus website. Nevertheless, sugar may have some impact on the temperament of children and adults, and is not advisable in excess for any age, reports William Sears on Ask Dr. Sears.com.

Misconceptions

According to MedlinePlus, some of the commonly held beliefs about sugar and behavior changes in kids may actually be attributable to the child's age. A 2-year-old child, for example, is generally more energetic and less capable of sustained attention than a 10-year-old, MedlinePlus reports. This suggests that, to a certain extent, the hyperactivity or lack of attention reported in relation to sugar may, in fact, be features of childhood. MedlinePlus also suggests that improved child behavior in response to a low-sugar diet may be related to deliberate changes in parent/child dynamics and family atmosphere as part of diet.

Theories/Speculation

MedlinePlus does, however, take into consideration the factor of blood glucose levels. For example, if a child consumes a great deal of refined sugar or carbohydrates, these "fast-burning" foods may result in a burst of energy followed by a pronounced "crash." In addition, Sears notes that both adults and children can be "sugar sensitive," and may have behavioral fluctuations in response to simple sugars and the potential havoc they wreak on blood sugar.

Other Data

For children who are affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, the effects of sugar may be more pronounced. A 1991 study published in "Pediatrics" explored the effects of sugar versus two placebo artificial sweeteners on both ADHD and control subjects. The researchers, led by Esther H. Wender of Long Island Jewish Medical Center, reported that ADHD children experienced increased problems with inattention after eating sugar, but not the placebo sweeteners. The children without ADHD experienced no changes. The researchers report that further research is needed to confirm these results.

Adult Manifestations

According to HelpGuide.org, another potential adverse effect of sugar on adult mood is specific to women. Women who experience Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, may find that the ups and downs of this condition may be exacerbated by consuming simple sugars and carbohydrates. This will cause fluctuations in blood sugar, which can cause irritability and worsen the symptoms of PMS. HelpGuide.org suggests limiting your intake of simple sugars during this time of your menstrual cycle.

Considerations

Although sugar's role in behavior remains under debate, MedlinePlus reports that some studies have shown that artificial colorings may worsen hyperactivity in children. In addition, sugary snacks are known to increase tooth decay, have little nutritive value and may promote obesity, which can have several unwanted effects on a child's well-being.