Why we do not recommend sugary drinks and foods in children with brain injury

It’s not uncommon for children with brain injuries to be attracted to sweet foods and sugary drinks. However, there are some important reasons why we recommend limiting or providing alternatives to these.

Let’s explore what you can offer children instead—and why it matters!

Why are children with a brain injury attracted to sugar?

Mood Enhancing

With a brain injury, changes in the brain chemistry can affect how a person feels and behaves (aka alter neurochemical pathways). This involves a neurotransmitters (a fancy messaging system) one of which is called dopamine that plays a key role in the brain’s reward and pleasure system [1]. When we eat something sweet – dopamine levels rise, creating their mood enhancing effects we are likely all familiar with.

However–in a child with a brain injury, the brain’s pathways can become disrupted, leading to altered reward responses. This may cause individuals to seek out sugary foods more often.

Increased Energy Needs

The brain requires a lot of energy! In children with a brain injury – the body may require additional fuel to regulate mood, and manage daily functioning.

Sugary foods offer a quick and easily absorbed source of glucose (the brain’s primary energy source). So their bodies may naturally crave fast-acting carbohydrates like sweets, biscuits, or sugary drinks for a quick energy hit. As a result, children may gravitate more toward sugary foods simply because they’re the most comforting and energy inducing.

Read on to find out why they aren’t the best choice of food and drink!

The impact of sugary drinks and foods in children with brain injury

Inflammation

Emerging research suggests that high sugar intake may worsen inflammation in the brain and body [2].

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s amazing ability to adapt, and form new connections—especially important with a brain injury. However, high sugar intake can reduce levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—This is essentially a protein that supports neuroplasticity [3]. Lower BDNF can impact slower cognitive responses risking poorer response to therapy. This can impair memory, focus, and emotional regulation.

Behavioural Effects

Sugary foods and drinks can cause a quick spike in blood sugar, followed by a rapid crash. For any child, this can lead to irritability and fatigue. But for children with a brain injury, these ups and downs can be even more disruptive—impacting mood, attention, and energy levels when the brain needs the opposite (in the form of stability and support).

This can worsen symptoms like irritability, poor attention, and fatigue—making everyday tasks and therapy sessions more challenging. Potentially impacting their development of skills and quality of life.

Nutritional Quality

Sugary drinks like fizzy pop and juice may sound and taste appealing but they offer very little nutritional value. They are often described as empty calories because they provide a lot of sugar and energy without any of the nutrients the body and brain needs. This can result in excess weight gain which can impact mobility, independence and risk of other health conditions (not forgetting a diet of high sugar can contribute to dental decay and resulting pain!)

Summary

Reducing sugar intake is one simple way to support a more balanced, anti-inflammatory environment in the brain. Swapping out sugar-laden snacks and drinks for more nourishing options (with protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals) is a small change that can have a big impact on children with brain injuries.

What to offer instead: healthier drink options

Below are some nourishing and appealing alternatives that still keep children hydrated—without the sugar spike:

Milk or Plant-Based Milks

A great alternative with the addition of protein. If choosing plant-based, opt for no sugar options fortified with calcium and vitamins.

Homemade Smoothies

Use fruits (fresh or frozen), milk or yoghurt, and even sneak in some vegetables (such as spinach or cauliflower) or oats for extra nutrients. Try serving as a smoothie bowl to add some variety and fun.

Water

The ultimate choice for hydration. Adding slices of fruits like lemon, orange, or berries to water can enhance flavor without adding sugar. Making it immediately more appealing and colourful to children.

Diluted 100% Fruit Juice

If fruit juice is preferred, diluting it with water can reduce sugar content while still providing that fruity sweet flavour. Add some sparkling water to bring the familiarity of sugary, fizzy drinks in a healthier way!

So now we know the importance of reducing sugary drinks and snacks, have a think – can you think of some simple swaps?

[1] Chen, Y.-H., Huang, E.Y.-K., Kuo, T.-T., Miller, J., Chiang, Y.-H. and Hoffer, B.J. (2017). Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Dopaminergic Transmission. Cell Transplantation, 26(7), pp.1156–1168. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0963689717714105.

[2] Spagnuolo, M.S., Iossa, S. and Cigliano, L. (2020). Sweet but Bitter: Focus on Fructose Impact on Brain Function in Rodent Models. Nutrients, [online] 13(1), p.1. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010001.

[3] Molteni, R., Barnard, R.J., Ying, Z., Roberts, C.K. and Gómez-Pinilla, F. (2002). A high-fat, refined sugar diet reduces hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuronal plasticity, and learning. Neuroscience, [online] 112(4), pp.803–814. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-4522(02)00123-9.