Does sugar cause hyperactivity?
Hyperactivity has often been blamed on a high intake of sugar. Again, there is no scientific proof of this. In fact, one study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States found that children given a sugary drink were less active than a control group that ingested only sugar-free drinks. Some researchers theorize that the calming effect noted in the group given drinks containing sugar may be related to the fact that sugar prompts the brain to increase the production of seroronin, a chemical that reduces the brain’s electrical activity. Even so, this is not a good enough reason to give your child loads of sweets—sugar provides calories but is completely devoid of other nutrients; it also promotes tooth decay.
