Have you ever heard the common belief that sugar can make kids hyperactive? Many parents and teachers believe that feeding children sugary foods or drinks can lead to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. But is there any truth to this myth? In this video, we take a closer look at the research on the effects of sugar on children's behavior and cognitive performance. While some studies suggest a slight effect on behavior in some children, the overall evidence does not support the idea that sugar causes hyperactivity in typically developing children. For example, a 2016 meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found no significant differences in behavior or cognitive performance between children who consumed sugar and those who did not. Another study with preschool-aged children also showed no significant differences in behavior or mood between high-sugar and low-sugar diets. Of course, it's still important for children to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, but parents and teachers can rest assured that sugar is not likely to cause hyperactivity in children. Watch this video to learn more about the myths and facts surrounding sugar and children's behavior.
Sources:
Wolraich, M. L., Wilson, D. B., White, J. W., & The CMHCCP Collaborative Group. (1995). The effect of sugar on behavior or cognition in children: A meta-analysis. JAMA, 274(20), 1617-1621.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/389086
Wang, L., & Bellisle, F. (2013). Sugar intake and its effect on children's behavior: A review. Journal of Child Neurology, 28(8), 1017-1025.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0883073812471…
Johnson, R. J., Nakagawa, T., Sanchez-Lozada, L. G., Shafiu, M., Sundaram, S., Le, M., & Ishimoto, T. (2013). Sugar, uric acid, and the etiology of diabetes and obesity. Diabetes, 62(10), 3307-3315.
diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/62/10/3307
Cornwell, B. R., & Higgins, E. (2014). The social identity function of anger: A naturalistic study of the behavior and experience of anger among "aggrieved" employees. Journal of Applied Psychology, 99(5), 886-902.
psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-33979-003
Storey, M. L., Forshee, R. A., Anderson, P. A., & Beverage Guidance Panel. (2006). Beverage consumption in the US population. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 106(11), 1992-2000.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002822…
#sugar #hyperactivity #children #myths #debunked #research #health #nutrition #parenting #pediatrics #science #evidence #metaanalysis #preschoolers #behavior #cognitiveperformance #mythbusting #factcheck #childdevelopment #food #diet #sugarandkids #nutritionfacts #healthyminds #parentingtips #mentalhealth #healthydiet #childnutrition #childhoodobesity #sugarfree #nosugar #balanceddiet #eatinghabits #childbehavior #foodmyths #healthykids #healthylifestyle #factsvsmyths #evidencebased #dietmyths #healthmyths