Sugar and Hyper-activity

The hyper-activity refers to the increase in the movement, the impulsiveness, the distraction and the reduction of the period of attention.

The activity levels vary according to age (for example, the level of a two year-old child's activity is greater than the level of a ten year-old child), as well as the interest (a conference versus a recess playground).

The diagnosis is difficult and frequently reflects more the level of the observer's tolerance than the level of the person's activity (the parents are more tolerant in a park in the morning that in a meeting that takes place at night). It should be consulted with a psychologist or a doctor for further information.

The sugars are simple carbohydrates that have a sweet flavor and they can be found in many ways. The table sugar (sucrose) is the most common one.

The aspartame (NutraSweet) is an artificial sweetener made of two amino acids that can be usually found in all the proteins.

The artificial colorants are compounds elaborated by man and they are added to the food during their processing.

Many parents and teachers believe that the sugar, the aspartame (NutraSweet) and the artificial flavors cause hyper-activity and other problems of behavior in children and some indicate that the children should follow special diets limiting the amount of sugar, flavors or colors; however, studies on the effect of artificial flavors and colors have not found changes in behavior.

A review of the Nutrition Foundation of United States suggests that if the diet works, it can be due to other factors different to the changes in the colors and flavors. The study suggests that the families interact in a different way when they are following a special diet. These changes in interaction, and not in the same diet, can improve the child's behavior.

The scientists have not found an increment in the activity or in problems ofbehavior related to the consumption of sugar or of aspartame. The sugar doesn't make to the normal children hyper-actives, neither make hyperactive children to increase their hyper-activity. In fact, a study found a reduction in the activity level after consuming a meal or refreshment with a high content of sugar.

Recommendations:

It is not necessary to limit the sugar, the artificial sweetener, color or flavors, if there is some concerns on the hyperactivity.However, the sugar continues to be the main culprit of dental cavity. Foods rich in sugar usually have less vitamins and minerals and they are sometimes replaced with them in the most nutritious foods.

Some people have allergies to dyes and specific flavors. If a child is diagnosed with an allergy, a nutritionist must be consulted, so that the cited would make specific recommendations in nourishment.