Effects of sugar ingestion on the classroom and playgroup behavior of attention deficit disordered boys.

16 attention deficit disordered (ADD) boys (aged 6.4–9.1 yrs) fasted overnight and then received in the morning a challenge drink containing either 1.75 g/kg sucrose or a placebo (aspartame) of comparable sweetness. Ss received sugar and placebo 2 days each. Dependent variables consisted of measures of classroom behavior, academic productivity and accuracy, noncompliance with adult requests, and positive and negative peer interactions. Results offer no support for the contention that sugar ingestion adversely affects the behavior or learning of ADD boys. Limitations of the present study, including the dosage of sugar employed and the use of concurrent interventions, are discussed. It is suggested that beliefs that sugar has a challenge effect on behavior in ADD children may actually reflect their difficulty readjusting to classroom activity after a snack period. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)