Is it true that sugar makes kids hyperactive?
That depends on whether you ask parents at a preschooler’s birthday party or scientists in a lab, but most research has concluded that sugar does not cause hyperactivity. Back in 1973, based on anecdotal evidence, allergist Benjamin Feingold was the first to suggest that sugar, additives, coloring, and other substances in food could cause hyperactivity or make it worse. While his ideas have continued to circulate, most researchers since haven’t been able to pinpoint sugar as a culprit, even in children who were reportedly sensitive to its effects. (Some studies have linked dyes, preservatives, and other additives to hyperactivity, while others have not.) So if your child is bouncing off the walls, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to ban sugar from his diet. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to go easy on the sweets. Sugary treats typically provide little or no nutrition and raise the risk of obesity, heart disease, and tooth decay.
