Alternate Names : Diet - Hyperactivity

Definition

Hyperactivity refers to increased movement, impulsiveness, distractibility, and decreased attention span. A popular myth has developed that this condition is related to sugar intake or use of artificial sweeteners by children.

Research comparing children eating sugar to those eating other foods or artificial sweeteners has not confirmed any connection with hyperactivity.

However, sugar and excess activity may appear to be linked because sugar is often consumed at events like birthday parties or other social events which tend to produce excitement and greater activity levels even in the absence of sweets.

Activity levels in children vary with their age (a 2-year old is usually more active and has a shorter attention span than a 10-year old). A child's interest level will vary his or her interests. For example, a lecture may be less interesting than playing at the playground.

Diagnosing hyperactivity is difficult and often reflects the tolerance level of the supervising adult rather than the activity level of the child.

For example, parents may tolerate a higher activity level in a park in the morning than they can tolerate late at night at home. Consult a psychologist or physician for further information if you believe your child may be hyperactive.

Parents and teachers often claim that sugar (such as sucrose), aspartame (NutraSweet), and artificial flavors and colors cause hyperactivity and other behavior problems in children.

Some people argue that children should follow special diets that limit the amount of sugar, flavorings, or colors they eat. However, scientific studies on the effect of eating artificial flavors and colors have not found any changes in children's behavior due to the amount of artificial flavor or color eaten.

A review by the Nutrition Foundation suggests that if a special diet of foods without artificial flavors or colors works for a child, it may be because that family has begun to interact with each other differently when they are following the special diet.

These behavioral changes, not the diet itself, may improve the child's own behavior and activity level.

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.

Recommendations

There is no need to limit sugar, artificial sweeteners, color, or flavors because of fears about hyperactivity. However, sugar remains the major culprit in tooth decay.

High sugar foods tend to have fewer vitamins and minerals, and may replace more nutritious foods. High sugar foods also have many unnecessary calories that can lead to obesity.

Some people have allergies to specific dyes and flavors. If a child has a diagnosed allergy, consult a dietitian for specific food recommendations.

Children may react more to their environment than to a specific food they have eaten. Expect more activity when children get together at parties and other events.

Provide "quiet time" so that children can learn to calm themselves at home. If your child cannot sit still when other children of his or her age can, or if he or she cannot control impulsive behavior, seek a professional evaluation.