Is There any Connection Between ADHD and the Additives in Sweetened Beverages?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sweetened beverages (SBs) have been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), possibly because they contain sugar, caffeine, artificial colors, sweeteners, and preservatives. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to show how SBs affect ADHD and to investigate the potential contribution of the various ingredients in SBs to this effect. METHODS: The study consisted of 239 children, ranging from 6 to 10 years old, divided into two groups: 111 with ADHD, diagnosed by a doctor in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, and 128 in the control group, who were selected from schools. The modified Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with 17 sweetened beverages was used in the assessment of beverage consumption. The consumption record was taken together with the brands of the beverages and the label information of the products was examined and the amounts of sugar, caffeine, artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives in the beverages were calculated. Maximum food additives consumed (mg/day/kg b.w.) values of food additives were calculated according to body weight. To establish the relationship between ADHD and beverage consumption, logistic regression analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Children with ADHD consumed more fruit juice, carbonated beverages, flavored beverages, sugary milk, sugar, caffeine, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate compared to their healthy peers (p <  0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that drinking fruit juice, sugary milk, carbonated beverages, and flavored drinks was significantly associated with ADHD (p <  0.01). CONCLUSION: The consumption of sweetened beverages containing sugar, caffeine, and food additives could potentially effect children’s behavior.