Many parents try to avoid giving sweet foods to their children. Beyond the risk of cavities, there is a belief that sweets will make the kids be far more active. This is often called a sugar rush, a burst of energy after eating sugary foods. But can sugar actually cause hyperactivity in children?

The Origin of the Term “Sugar Rush”

According to WebMD, the phrase gained attention in 1973 when allergy specialist Benjamin Feingold, M.D., introduced the Feingold Diet. This plan advised reducing the consumption of foods with artificial colors, flavors, and salicylates as part of managing hyperactivity in children.

Although Feingold did not specifically target sweet foods with sugar, many parents concluded that children should avoid foods that contain additives. Over time, this idea spread widely in the society, leading to the belief that cutting sugar intake would reduce hyperactive behavior in kids.

Can Sugar Really Cause a Sugar Rush?

A clinical trial published in Pediatrics in 1991 evaluated the association between sugar intake and aggressive behavior in hyperactive children. The researchers assessed aggressive behavior and cognitive attention in both typical and hyperactive children after consuming foods high in sugar. The results showed that children with attention difficulties were more aggressive than the typical group, yet there was no significant placebo effect on aggression in either group.

A study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews published in 2019 reported that carbohydrate or sugar intake actually led participants to feel more fatigued rather than hyperactive, contradicting the common sugar rush belief. These findings suggest the sugar rush concept is not supported by strong scientific evidence, and individual responses to sugar can vary based on personal health conditions.

Tips to Reduce Sugary Foods in Children

Even if sweets do not cause a sugar rush, parents still need to limit the consumption of food with added sugar. High sugar intake in children can increase the risk of cavities, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 2 years old avoid added sugar. Introduce sweetness through natural options such as pureed fruit or small portions of unsweetened fruit juice.

However, if toddlers are already used to sweet tastes and consume too much sugar, parents can try the following:

1. Reduce eating foods and drinks with added sweeteners

Packaged fruit juices, sodas, bottled teas, and other commercial beverages for kids usually contain a lot of sugar. To limit overconsumption of sugar in kids, reduce the daily consumption of food with aftificial sweeteners. Offer alternatives such as unsweetened infused water or coconut water.

2. Choose fiber-rich foods

Serve fiber-rich foods to help children feel full sooner and lower their interest in unhealthy snacks. If they ask for a snack, switch to cut fruit, protein bars, fruit bars, or other options that are lower in sugar and higher in fiber.

3. Make snacks at home

By preparing snacks that match your child’s preferences, you can control the amount of sugar used. You can also use cinnamon or other natural flavors to reduce the dailt intake of sugar. Homemade snacks are typically cleaner and healthier.

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