Violence is linked to eating sweets

12 April 2012

Eating sweets every day in childhood increases adult aggression, according to new research.

The study, published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, is the first to examine the long-term effects of childhood diet on adult violence.

Analysis of almost 17,500 participants in the 1970 British Cohort Study found that 10-year-olds who ate confectionery daily were significantly more likely to have been convicted for violence between the ages of 29 and 34.

Researchers from Cardiff University found that 69% of the participants who were violent at that age had eaten sweets and chocolate nearly every day during childhood, compared to 42% who were non-violent.

This link between confectionery consumption and violence remained after controlling other factors.

Lead researcher Dr Simon Moore said: "Our favoured explanation is that giving children sweets and chocolate regularly may stop them learning how to wait to obtain something they want.

"Not being able to defer gratification may push them towards more impulsive behaviour, which is strongly associated with delinquency."

The researchers concluded: "This association between confectionery consumption and violence needs further attention.

"Targeting resources at improving children's diet may improve health and reduce aggression."

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