How Does Sugar Affect Activity Level in Children?

It has long been assumed that sugar increases the activity level in children. In fact, many parents blame hyperactive behavior on too much sugar in their child̵7;s diet, or insist that their children become more hyperactive on occasions when they eat sugar. The medical community says there is no correlation between sugar intake and activity level, and, in fact, sugar may even decrease activity levels in children.

  1. Research on Sugar and Activity Levels

    • The American Academy of Pediatrics says that researchers who studied preschool and school-aged children found that increasing sugar intake did not have an impact on behavior or concentration. This was true even of children whose parents said that sugar interfered with their child̵7;s ability to behave or concentrate. In another study cited by the Academy, boys who had a large dose of sugar were actually less active than before.

    Children with ADHD

    • Some parents believe that their children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, may have a special sensitivity to sugar that typical children do not have, but research does not bear this out. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children with ADHD have the same response to sugar as children without the disorder. The Academy found that there is no evidence that sugar causes ADHD, and it does not recommend dietary changes as a method for treating ADHD, unless the child has a sensitivity to one particular food.

    What Does Cause Increased Activity?

    • If sugar does not cause hyperactivity or increased activity levels, then what is causing the birthday party chaos or the inability to sit still at the family barbeque? The events at which children tend to eat large amounts of sugar may also be those where there is a lot of stimulation and excitement. According to Yale Scientific, it may be the excitement of the birthday or Halloween party that amps up your child̵7;s activity, not the sugary treats.

    Other Reasons to Moderate Sugar Consumption

    • While sugar may not be the reason your child jumps on the couch after he comes home from a birthday party, that doesn̵7;t mean he should consume it with abandon. Excess sugar consumption is linked to childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and cavities. And a child who fills up on sugary foods won̵7;t have an appetite for other foods that provide necessary vitamins and nutrients.

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