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Does sucrose or aspartame cause hyperactivity in children?

¹Department of Psychology, School of Nutrition, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155.

Nutrition Reviews

|May 1, 1994

Summary

This study found no link between sugar intake and hyperactivity in children. Even high levels of sucrose and aspartame did not negatively affect behavior, suggesting sugar is not a primary cause of hyperactivity.

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Area of Science:

Pediatric Nutrition
Behavioral Science

Background:

Anecdotal evidence suggests a link between sugar intake and hyperactivity in children.
Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding this association.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of high sugar and artificial sweetener diets on children's behavior.
To assess the impact of sucrose, aspartame, and saccharin on children sensitive to sugar and preschool-aged children.

Main Methods:

A study involving school-aged and preschool children.
Evaluation of behavioral and cognitive measures after diets high in sucrose, aspartame, and saccharin.
Intake levels exceeded average dietary consumption.

Main Results:

Neither sucrose nor aspartame consumption negatively impacted children's behavior.
No significant behavioral changes were observed in either age group.
Dietary interventions did not elicit hyperactivity.

Conclusions:

The study provides evidence against sugar being a major cause of hyperactivity in children.
Findings challenge the common hypothesis linking sugar intake to behavioral issues.
Further research may explore other contributing factors to hyperactivity.

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