Sugar has long been associated with behavior that's unbecoming of children. The idea that sugar affects behavior was first investigated in 1922 and was further studied in 1947. In the 1970s, a condition known as functional reactive hypoglycemia was discussed. The exact cause-effect relationship is difficult to discern as behaviors vary just as much as individuals do.
Sugar as an Allergen
One theory on how sugar affects behavior, and hyperactivity specifically, is that sugar is thought to cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. The type of sugar causing the hyperactivity is also pertinent as sucrose has been the most prominent sweetening agent, though a few studies have examined fructose and glucose. The general consensus of various studies is that sugar has basically no effect at all on behavior as an allergen, and that children with extreme behavior problems should be evaluated for underlying issues and require intervention that does not involve sugar necessarily.
Sugar and Hyperglycemia
Many claims of behavioral hyperactivity are due to the fact that the behavior of a child changes post-sugar intake due to a change in blood sugar levels. Many studies have shown that the same issue exists with various carbohydrates, not just actual sugar elements. The simple rise of blood glucose levels and triggering of adrenaline release is the basis for the behavior in many children. And, as blood glucose levels fall, the activity level decreases.
Sugar and Situational Activities
Many holidays that revolve around high-sugar foods, such as birthdays, Halloween, Easter and Christmas are not just times when sugar ingestion is probably higher than normal, the excitement in general over the holiday fanfare is enough to cause erratic behavior. In many cases, children who have never experienced typical hyperactive behaviors display the same symptoms during these times of excitement.
Sugar and the General Conclusions
The fact that sugar and hyperactivity are related remains rather unfounded. Perhaps the child demonstrating behaviors of hyperactivity has merely been exposed to other factors that can and do affect the behavior of children even in the absence of sugar and sugar-related components.
