My mum swears red cordial sends my son 'off the wall'. I can't tell if it's real or if we just notice the wild days more. What does the actual evidence say and what have you genuinely observed (not just folklore)?
4 replies
Nadia K
14 March 2026
For us it's not sugar itself, it's the CRASH and the hunger that comes with junk. A protein-light high-sugar arvo = dysregulation, but it's the blood sugar rollercoaster more than 'sugar makes them hyper'.
Dr_mum_ot
14 March 2026
Evidence on sugar→hyperactivity is pretty weak; the big one is consistency of meals and protein. Some kids do react to specific additives (e.g. certain colours) but it's individual. Worth a proper elimination trial rather than guessing.
James C
14 March 2026
We notice the wild days more if there's a party (sugar) AND chaos AND late night AND no routine. Hard to pin it on the cordial when 4 other things changed too.
Dan W
15 March 2026
The 'too many variables changed at once' point is fair. Going to actually track it properly instead of blaming the cordial. Cheers.
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