ADHD
- In 2011 Nutrition Research and Practice published a study of 107 students examining the relationship between sugar intake and the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in fifth grade students. The researchers found that low consumption of sugar from fruit sources or low intake of vitamin C is associated with ADHD. [Source]
- In 2016 the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a study which found that children who consumed sugar sweetened beverages at high levels had 3.69 times greater odds of having ADHD compared with children who did not consume sugar sweetened beverages. [Source]
Depression
- In 2015 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study which found that high GI (glycemic-index) diets, including sugars and refined grains, were associated with a higher risk of depression in postmenopausal women. [Source]
- In 2010 The American Journal of Psychiatry published a study of 1046 women which found that “western” diets high in fried foods, refined grains, sugar and beer were associated with higher levels of depression and mental disorders. [Source]
Honey – sugar alternative
- In 2008 the Journal of Food Science published an animal study which showed that rats fed a diet supplemented with honey gained significantly less body fat and weight and had reduced HbA1C levels as well as increased HDL (good) cholesterol compared to rats fed a diet supplemented with sucrose (table sugar). [Source]
Artificial sweeteners – sugar alternative
- In 2012 The New England Journal of Medicine published an 18-month trial which compared children who consumed sugar-containing beverages with children who consumed beverages sweetened with non-caloric (artificial) sweeteners. The children who consumed the artificially sweetened beverages gained less weight. [Source]
Water – sugar sweetened beverage alternative
- In 2010 Nutrition Reviews published a review of scientific literature which found that people who consumed water, rather than sugar sweetened beverages, juice or milk with meals had significantly lower overall calorie intakes. The authors of the review note the potentially important role of water consumption in preventing obesity. [Source]