Diet and activity

Alternative names:

hyperactivity and sugar

Definition:

Hyperactivity refers to increase movement, impulsiveness distractability and decreased attention span. Activity levels vary with age (a 2 year old is more than 10 year olds) and interest (a lecture versus a playground). Diagnosis is difficult and often reflects the tolerance level of the viewer rather than the activity level of the person (parents tolerate more in a park in the morning than in a meeting late at night). Consult a psychologist or physician for further information.

Sugars are simple carbohydrates that have a sweet taste There are many forms; table sugar (sucrose) is the most common.

Aspartame (NutraSweet) is an artificial sweetener made of two amino acids found commonly in all protein.

Artificial colors and flavors are man-made compounds added to food during processing.

Information/Background
Parents and teachers often claim that sugar, aspartame (NutraSweet) and artificial flavors and colors cause hyperactivity and other behavior problems in children. Some argue that children should follow special diets that limit the amount of sugar, flavorings or colors. Studies on the effect of artificial flavors and colors have not found any changes in behavior due to the amount of flavor or color eaten.

A review by the Nutrition Foundation suggests that if the diet works, it may be through some means other than changes in colors and dyes. They suggest that families may interact differently when following a special diet. These changes, not the diet itself, may improve the child's behavior.

Scientists have not found any increase in activity or behavior problems related to sugar or aspartame intake. Sugar does not make normal children hyperactive nor does it make hyperactive children more so. In fact, one study found a decrease in activity level after eating a high sugar meal or snack!