Claim: It is a myth that sugar makes kids hyper

Question

This article claims that sugar causes hyperactivity in children is a myth. Research shows no strong evidence linking sugar to hyperactive behavior.

Comments

This is interesting because, in the US food dyes are commonly found in sugary foods, and the food dye is what typically causes the hyperactivity, according to your article. I wonder if there is such a strong myth of sugar causing hyper children in other countries where dyes are less common or banned.

Answer 1

This claim is valid. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, "While many parents swear that sugar makes their kids hyperactive, a substantial body of research shows there's no link between the two."

https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/sugar-does-it-really-cause-hyperactivity

Answer 2

Sugar does not cause hyperactivity in children

 

2. What primary sources did you find (e.g., transcripts, videos of politician speeches, tweets from public figures, scientific studies)? For each source, write at least one or two sentences explaining what you learned. Include all links.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/388389
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study found no behavioral differences between children consuming sugar and kids consuming placebo.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02168075
Showed that parents who thought their child consumed sugar rated behavior as more hyperactive even if there was no sugar involved
 

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/98/4/718/60152
Shows sugar does not affect behavior or cognition in children
 

 

3. What secondary sources did you find (e.g., newspapers, magazines)? Only use secondary sources if sufficient primary sources are not available. For each source, write at least one or two sentences explaining what you learned. Include all links.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/does-sugar-make-kids-hyper
Summarizes clinical findings and explains how environmental factors affect perception of behavior
 

 

4. What potential biases or interests might each of your sources have?

Expectations affect interpretation/confirmation bias
 

No financial incentive

 

5. What evidence supports the claim you are fact-checking?

Anecdotal parental observation
 

Association with high-energy social settings like parties and holidays
 

Myth passed down

6. What evidence undermines the claim you are fact-checking?

Anecdotal evidence