"She says there are theories linking sugar to behavioural changes. One stems from how sugar activates the body's reward system, triggering a burst of dopamine the feelgood neurotransmitter. Increases in dopamine levels can be linked to behavioural changes, which can include periods of hyperactivity, says Avery. Another theory focuses on how eating lots of sugar can cause blood glucose levels to spike and then drop quickly, which is known as reactive hypoglycaemia."
"Research has so far found only limited links between sugar intake and hyperactive behaviour, mostly among children already diagnosed with ADHD. The strongest links appear with sweetened drinks containing seven or eight teaspoons of sugar in one serving, which also contain additives and caffeine, making it hard to isolate sugar as the culprit. Some studies on animals but not humans have shown that those fed high-sugar diets early in life were more likely to show hyperactivity later on."
There is no proven scientific evidence that sugar causes hyperactivity in humans. Theories link sugar to behavioural changes via activation of the brain's reward system and bursts of dopamine, and via rapid spikes and drops in blood glucose (reactive hypoglycaemia). Hyperactivity outside ADHD is subjective and can be interpreted differently by observers. Research has found only limited associations between sugar intake and hyperactive behaviour, chiefly among children with ADHD. Stronger associations occur with sweetened drinks that also contain additives and caffeine, complicating isolation of sugar as the cause. Some animal studies suggest early high-sugar diets may increase later hyperactivity. Reducing excessive sugar consumption is recommended for health.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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