Does Sugar Cause Hyperactivity?

Physicians and nutritionists have offered many theories regarding the role that dietary practices play in hyperactivity, especially for children affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Blood sugar swings, food additives, digestive problems and nutrient deficiencies play some role in the development of hyperactivity and other behavioral disorders. However, experts have yet to agree on the extent to which they affect hyperactive children. While refined sugar (sucrose) may contribute to hyperactivity in some individuals, a 2008 review concluded that sugar generally has little impact on a child's behavior.

Reactive Hypoglycemia Theory

• Reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is an extremely common condition affecting both children and adults, and it may be an underlying cause of clinical hyperactivity. One study, published in 1978 by Food and Cosmetics Toxicology, indicated that many hyperactive children have reactive hypoglycemia.

  Reactive hypoglycemia involves an abrupt drop in blood sugar following the consumption of a high-sugar meal. Children with this condition may experience a profound "sugar rush" followed by a period of anxiety. All forms of sugar exacerbate the severity of reactive hyperglycemia, and sucrose may contribute to these blood-sugar swings, leading to the symptoms associated with hyperactivity.

Controversy

• In 2008, the Critical Review of Food Science Nutrition released a review of sugar's impact on hyperactivity. Basing their assessments on dozens of previous trials, the review stated that there is, to date, "no evidence that [sugar] has an adverse influence" on behavioral disorders in children. A similar study from 1995, published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, reached similar results.

  While reactive hypoglycemia may be a contributing factor for people with ADHD and hyperactivity, there is little evidence that table sugar alone is responsible for the condition. Foods that have higher glycemic indexes, including baked potatoes and white bread, are more likely to cause reactive hypoglycemia and related mood disorders.

Other Factors

• Children with hyperactivity can, without a doubt, benefit from a diet that contains fewer refined sugars; especially those that directly spike blood-glucose levels. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has advised that a low-additive, unprocessed diet can be a successful intervention for some children with hyperactivity.

  Eliminating any single food from a child's diet is unlikely to solve the problem of persistent hyperactivity. However, a diet that is high in unprocessed, high-nutrient foods may be the best medication of all, especially if the diet is coupled with an exercise regimen. Like many other conditions, hyperactivity may be safely and effectively treated with a whole-food diet.