Recent studies from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus propose a potential link between sugar consumption and behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and aggressive behavior. Published in Evolution and Human Behavior, the research suggests that sugar, particularly fructose found in high fructose corn syrup, may increase the risk of these conditions by triggering a foraging response akin to starvation. According to lead author Richard Johnson, fructose lowers cellular energy, which prompts behaviors like risk-taking, impulsivity, and aggression as survival responses for food acquisition. He argues that while fructose has aided survival historically, its excessive intake in the modern Western diet may lead to overactive behaviors that contribute to mental health issues. Although the study highlights the role of fructose and its metabolite uric acid in impulsivity-related disorders, Johnson emphasizes that these findings do not absolve other genetic, familial, and environmental factors in mental health. He advocates for more research into the impacts of sugar and uric acid, particularly with new treatments targeting fructose metabolism on the horizon.
