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The Effects of Corn Syrup on Children's Behavior
As much as kids might enjoy the colorful fruit punches, snacks and sodas that contain corn syrup, parents might not love the effects this sweetener has on their kids. Recently, corn syrup, particularly high fructose corn syrup, has been a source of concern among parents and some experts 5. According to the Mayo Clinic, it has been linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, corn syrup may have an effect on your child's behavior.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is perhaps the most well-known possible behavioral effect of high fructose corn syrup and other sugars 15. According to the ADDitude website, corn syrup as well as corn sweetener and corn syrup solids are implicated in child hyperactivity. Although the sugar/hyperactivity connection is a source of some debate, ADDitude cited a study conducted at the University of South Carolina, which found that hyperactive children who consumed large amounts of sugar behaved in a more destructive and reckless manner.
Mercury-Related Behavior Changes
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According to the Washington Post, a study conducted at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy identified detectable levels of mercury in nine out of 20 samples of commercial high fructose corn syrup 125. The effects of mercury in the diet are considerable, and include adverse behavioral effects, reports the HighFructoseCornSyrup website. This may include negative effects on memory, attention, language skills and fine motor skills. Mercury may also cause damage to the brain and nervous system, reports HighFructoseCornSyrup.
- According to the Washington Post, a study conducted at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy identified detectable levels of mercury in nine out of 20 samples of commercial high fructose corn syrup 1.
- The effects of mercury in the diet are considerable, and include adverse behavioral effects, reports the HighFructoseCornSyrup website.
Allergy-Related Changes
For children who may have a food allergy to corn, the effects of corn syrup may take on a different form, reports the AskDr.Sears website 4. Corn is among the most allergenic foods, and an allergic reaction may manifest itself through behavioral issues. AskDr.Sears says that among the behavioral symptoms of allergic reactions are fatigue, crying, irritability, anxiety, night-waking and crankiness.
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References
- High Fructose Corn Syrup.org: The Sweetening of American Children
- Washington Post: Study Finds High Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury
- ADDitude Mag: Cutting Back On Sugar To Treat Symptoms in Children
- Ask Dr. Sears: Tracking Down Food Allergy
- High Fructose Corn Syrup: What Are The Concerns?
- Corn, sweet, yellow, raw. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, 2019.
- Choosing good carbs with the glycemic index. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. Updated 2012.
- Corn. Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council. Updated 2020.
- Luna-Vital DA, Gonzalez de Mejia E. Anthocyanins from purple corn activate free fatty acid-receptor 1 and glucokinase enhancing in vitro insulin secretion and hepatic glucose uptake. PLoS ONE. 2018;13(7):e0200449. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0200449
- Harvesting the health benefits from corn. Tufts University Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Updated 2013.
- Njike VY, Smith TM, Shuval O, et al. Snack food, satiety, and weight. Adv Nutr. 2016;7(5):866-78. doi:10.3945/an.115.009340
- Popcorn, air-popped, unbuttered. USDA FoodData Central. April 1, 2020
- Vitamin A: Fact Sheets for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Updated 2020.
- Magnesium: Fact Sheets for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Updated 2020.
- Corn Allergy. American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Updated 2019.
- Corn. Non-GMO Project. Updated 2016.
- GMO Crops, Animal Food, and Beyond. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Updated 03/04/2020
- High Fructose Corn Syrup Questions and Answers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Updated 2018.
- Bray GA. Energy and fructose from beverages sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup pose a health risk for some people. Adv Nutr. 2013;4(2):220-5. doi:10.3945/an.112.002816
- Different types of corn. The Popcorn Board. Updated 2020.
- Corn. USDA SNAP-Ed Connection.
- Corn. Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council. Updated 2020.
- Sweet Corn. Purdue Extension FoodLink. Updated 2014.
Resources
Writer Bio
Jennifer Byrne is a freelance writer and editor specializing in topics related to health care, fitness, science and more. She attended Rutgers University. Her writing has been published by KidsHealth.org, DietBlogTalk.com, Primary Care Optometry News, and EyeWorld Magazine. She was awarded the Gold Award from the American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors (ASHPE), 2007, and the Apex Award for Publication Excellence.