Sugar and Hyperactivity in Children: What the Science Says

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has concluded that there is no convincing scientific evidence that sugar causes hyperactivity in children. Hyperactivity is a symptom that can be caused by a variety of emotional, physical, and intellectual factors including lack of sleep, anxiety, caffeine, allergies and various mental health conditions in addition to ADHD/ADD.

While research has shown that sugar consumption can lead to a temporary increase in energy and activity, this effect is not specific to children and is not associated with hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is a symptom of ADHD, and ADHD cannot be caused by eating sugar.

The misconception about sugar and child hyperactivity dates back to the late 1970s when a pediatrician suggested the theory after observing a few patients. Later, when double blind scientific studies refuted this theory, it did little to reverse the myth.