Sugar, high fructose intake may trigger ADHD, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior

AURORA, Colo. — For both children and adults, mental health disorders can have damaging effects on all aspects of their lives. As scientists examine the causes of attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD) and bipolar disorder, a new catalyst is emerging. Researchers from the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus say sugar intake may play a major role in these disorders and even aggressive behavior.

Their study suggests fructose (a type of simple sugar) and uric acid increases the risk for developing various behavioral conditions. Researchers find that this component of sugar and high fructose corn syrup tricks the body into thinking it’s starving; thereby changing a person’s mental state as well.

“We present evidence that fructose, by lowering energy in cells, triggers a foraging response similar to what occurs in starvation,” says lead author Richard Johnson in a university release.

https://www.studyfinds.org/sugar-high-fructose-intake-adhd-bipolar-disorder-aggressive-behavior/