Fact Check: Is Sugar in baby's brain called ADHD?

A viral Instagram post claims that Sugar in a baby's brain is called ADHD. This claim is FALSE.

Claim

A viral Instagram post claims that sugar has various harmful effects on the body. A post by daveymaher_fitness titled The truth about the effects of sugar states that a sugar baby's brain is called ADHD. The post says that sugar in a baby's brain leads to ADHD, in an adult's brain it causes dementia and Alzheimer's, in the eyes it results in glaucoma, and the teeth it causes cavities. The post also says that sugar accelerates skin aging, disrupts sleep leads to insomnia, raises blood sugar levels causes diabetes, and contributes to cancer. Additionally, it mentions that sugar and alcohol kill beneficial gut bacteria.

Amongst the various claims, one of the claims defines that Sugar in a baby's brain is called ADHD and explaining that impaired insulin signaling in the brain has been linked to ADHD, emphasizing the critical role of insulin in maintaining healthy cognitive function. The post has 79,651 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

This post claiming that Sugar in a Baby's brain called ADHD is FALSE.

What is ADHD?

National Institute of Mental Health said, "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that disrupts functioning or development. Individuals with ADHD may struggle to stay focused, organized, and on task, not due to defiance or misunderstanding, but because of these core symptoms. Hyperactivity can manifest as constant movement, excessive fidgeting, or talking, even in inappropriate settings, with adults often experiencing intense restlessness. Impulsivity involves acting without forethought, difficulty with self-control, and a preference for immediate rewards, leading to behaviors like interrupting others or making hasty decisions without considering future consequences."

Dr. Rahul Chawla MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Neurology) is an Associate Consultant, Neurology at PSRI Hospital, New Delhi said "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which significantly impair daily functioning. Diagnosed primarily in childhood but often persisting into adulthood, ADHD affects around 5-7% of children globally. Symptoms include difficulty focusing, excessive fidgeting or talking, and impulsive actions. Diagnosis is based on criteria from the DSM-5, typically involving professional assessments. Treatment usually involves a combination of behavioral therapies and medications, particularly stimulants, which help manage symptoms. Without treatment, ADHD can lead to academic, social, and occupational challenges, along with an increased risk of co-occurring mental health issues.|

Dr. Sohet Gogia, Consultant Neurosurgery, Neurosciences, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, talked about the causes of ADHD and he said "The causes of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are not fully understood, but it results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Genetics plays a significant role, with studies indicating that ADHD tends to run in families, suggesting a hereditary link. Specific genes related to the dopamine neurotransmitter system, crucial for regulating attention and behavior, have been implicated. Environmental factors also contribute, particularly during prenatal development. Exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy, premature birth, and low birth weight are associated with an increased risk of developing ADHD. Additionally, early exposure to environmental toxins like lead has been linked to ADHD. Neurologically, individuals with ADHD often show differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas involved in attention and impulse control, such as the prefrontal cortex. These differences may include reduced brain volume and altered activity in the dopamine pathways. Although parenting styles and diet are sometimes considered factors, current research does not support these as direct causes of ADHD, though they may influence symptom severity. Overall, ADHD is thought to arise from the complex interplay of these various factors, making each case unique in its manifestation."

Is Sugar in baby's brain ADHD?

ADHD is a neurological disorder and sugar in a baby's brain is not called ADHD. While there is some evidence that sugar intake may worsen some symptoms of ADHD, there is no evidence that it causes ADHD or is the same as ADHD.

Bianca Del-Ponte et. al. discovered that high sugar intake or an increase in sugar consumption between the ages of 6 and 11 did not correlate with a higher incidence of ADHD during that period. The increased sugar intake observed in children with ADHD may be a consequence of the disorder rather than a cause. The findings suggest that there is no association between sucrose consumption between the ages of 6 and 11 and the onset of ADHD.

A meta-analysis published in JAMA Network concluded that sugar does not influence children's behavior or cognitive performance. The widespread belief among parents might stem from expectations and common associations. However, the possibility of a small effect or impact on specific groups of children cannot be entirely dismissed.

Research conducted by Richard J. Johnson et, al. discovered that prolonged excessive sugar consumption might cause changes in mesolimbic dopamine signaling, potentially contributing to symptoms linked to ADHD.

While there is limited evidence suggesting that high sugar intake may temporarily affect cognitive function and symptoms associated with ADHD, it does not contribute to the development of ADHD, particularly in infants. However, there is some weak evidence indicating that sugar consumption could exaggerate ADHD symptoms, though the sugar in a baby's brain is not a cause of ADHD.

Commenting on the claim, Dr. Rahul Chawla MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Neurology) is an Associate Consultant, Neurology at PSRI Hospital, New Delhi. He said, "Sugar in a baby's brain cannot cause ADHD. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects children and can persist into adulthood. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The development of ADHD is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. While diet and nutrition play a role in overall brain health, there is no conclusive evidence that sugar consumption directly causes ADHD, especially in infants. The notion that sugar can lead to hyperactivity or ADHD is a common misconception, but studies have consistently shown that sugar does not cause ADHD. Instead, factors such as genetics, prenatal exposures, and early life stressors are more closely associated with the development of ADHD."

Dr. Sohet Gogia, Consultant Neurosurgery, Neurosciences, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram added, "The idea that sugar causes ADHD is a myth. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental underpinnings. While sugar might affect a child's energy levels temporarily, it does not lead to the development of ADHD. It's crucial to understand that ADHD's causes are much more complex and cannot be attributed to diet alone. This quote underscores the need to approach ADHD with a comprehensive understanding, rather than focusing on unfounded dietary theories. While excessive sugar consumption is not ideal for a child's overall health, linking it to ADHD is inaccurate. Parents should be informed that ADHD is a multifactorial disorder, and its management should be based on evidence-based approaches rather than misconceptions about sugar. Accurate information helps in addressing ADHD more effectively, ensuring that children receive the appropriate care and support they need."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that sugar in the brain causes ADHD or is the same as ADHD. While some weak evidence suggests that higher sugar intake may be observed in children with ADHD, it is likely a result of the disorder rather than a cause. ADHD cannot be caused due to sugar but its symptoms can be triggered due to consumption of sugar. Despite widespread parental beliefs that sugar affects children's behavior, research does not support this notion.

Hence, Sugar in a baby's brain is ADHD is FALSE.