Sugar, food additives and caffeine are often blamed for behavioural problems in children.

Sugar

Some parents think eating too much sugar makes children over active. There is no scientific proof that sugar is the cause of hyperactive behaviour in children. Feelings surrounding special events like birthday parties may cause children to behave in a hyperactive manner.

Too much sugary foods may:

  • Replace the nutritious foods needed for growth and development
  • Cause dental cavities
  • Lead to unhealthy weights

Food Additives

  • Food additives are used to prevent food from spoiling, and to make them taste and look better.  Some food additives can be healthy and help increase the nutrition content of a food item.
  • Food additives come from either natural or artificial sources and are more common in processed and highly processed foods.
  • In Canada, food additives must appear on the ingredient list of food when added to foods.
  • Research shows that there may be a link between hyperactivity in children and eating certain food additives together (such as specific preservatives and food colouring).
  • If you are concerned about the effect of certain food additives on your child’s behaviour, you can avoid giving foods that may have those additives. For more information and assistance speak with a dietitian or your family doctor.
Food Additive Purpose
Antioxidants Makes jams, sausages and soft drinks last longer
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) Prevents loss of colour and flavour of food such as drinks and breakfast cereals. Also adds nutrients
Food colouring or dye Makes food such as candies, jello and ice cream look more attractive
Sodium benzoate Used to preserve processed food products and drinks
Sugar substitutes Makes food sweeter (e.g., aspartame)
Sulphites Used in preserves. Makes baked goods, dried fruits and juices taste and look better

Caffeine

  • Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, energy drinks, iced tea, chocolate and many headache and cold medicines.
  • Research shows that too much caffeine may lead to headaches, sleeping problems, and feeling irritable, nervous, or restless.
  • If a food or drink has both caffeine and sugar, it is likely that the caffeine, not the sugar, will cause a child to be restless.
  • The effect of caffeine is greater in children than in adults because of their small body sizes.
  • Some children are more sensitive to caffeine than others and may feel the effects of having cola or chocolate much faster.
  • Energy drinks can have up to three times the caffeine found in colas. For this reason, energy drinks should not be given to children.

Maximum daily amount of caffeine by age

  • 0-4 years – 0 mg
  • 4-6 years – 45 mg
  • 7-9 years – 62.5 mg
  • 10-12 years – 85 mg

Energy drinks are not recommended for children. These drinks contain a large amount of caffeine and can temporarily increase heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.

Sources of Caffeine Amount of Caffeine (mg)
Cola (355 mL can) Regular Cola 36-46
Diet Cola 39-50
Cocoa Products Milk Chocolate (1 ounce/28 grams) 7
Dark Chocolate (1 ounce/28 grams) 25-58
Chocolate Milk (1 cup) 5-8
Hot Chocolate Mix (1 envolope) 5
Coffee 250 mL (1 cup) Filter, drip, brewed, or percolated 118-179
Instant, regular or flavoured 76-106
Decaffeinated 3
Instant, decaffeinated 5
Tea 250 mL (1 cup) Bag or leaf 50
Instant 15
Green tea 30
Ice 25

Tips to Improve Your Child’s Behaviour

  • Avoid drinks and foods that contain caffeine.
  • Limit processed foods.
  • Offer a variety of nutritious foods based on Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.
  • Have regular meal and snack times.
  • Offer water for thirst.
  • Make sure they get enough sleep.
  • Encourage your children to be physically active.

Remember, their behaviour may also be normal childhood excitement.