Sugar makes children hyperactive
Double-blind trials find no effect of sugar on children's behaviour. Parental expectation explains most of the reported effect.
AI review of the sources below, no human approval · Reviewed
This verdict was generated by AI from the papers listed on this page and published without human sign-off. AI can misread or miss studies — check the sources yourself. Not medical advice.
What the research says
A meta-analysis of 23 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found sugar did not affect the behaviour or cognitive performance of children, including children described by their parents as sugar-sensitive. In a separate experiment, parents who were told their child had been given sugar rated their behaviour as more hyperactive — even though every child received a placebo.
Caveats
- This is about behaviour only. High free-sugar intake remains linked to dental caries and weight gain.
Evidence
- Meta-analysisJAMA·1995
The effect of sugar on behavior or cognition in children: a meta-analysis
No effect of sugar on behaviour or cognitive performance across 23 blinded trials.
Read the source
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