#10: Sugar Alone Does Not Make Children Hyperactive — Major Controlled Studies: 1994
Birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and Halloween have convinced many parents that sugary treats immediately cause children to become hyperactive. Controlled scientific research, however, has repeatedly failed to find strong evidence supporting that connection. Several studies have even shown that when parents believe their children consumed sugar, they are more likely to perceive increased activity—even if the children actually received sugar-free alternatives. In many cases, the exciting social environments where sweets are commonly eaten explain the energetic behavior far better than the sugar itself. While excessive sugar consumption can certainly contribute to other health concerns, hyperactivity has not consistently been shown to be one of them. This is another example of how everyday observations can sometimes feel convincing even when careful scientific testing reaches a different conclusion.
