Candy may lead to the clink

William Atkins
Sunday, 04 October 2009 19:41

Science - Biology

However, other scientists, not associated with the study, were also interviewed as to their thoughts on the possible reasons for the relationship between childhood sweets and aggressive adult behaviors.

Dr. Alan Maryon-Davis (president of the UK Faculty of Public Health) stated, "Another explanation is that children who are already more demanding, aggressive and 'difficult' are more likely to be given sweets and chocolates to keep them quiet for a while…. It is an interesting area that needs looking into a little more deeply." [BBC News]

More critical of the study was Julian Hunt, the director of communications for the Food and Drink Federation. Hunt quipped: "This is either utter nonsense or a very bad April Fool's Day joke.” [BBC News]

Hunt added, "Anti-social behaviour stems from deep-rooted social and environmental factors, such as poor parenting and a deprived upbringing, and is not linked to whether or not you ate sweeties as a kid…. "How anyone could leap to such a conclusion is beyond me." [BBC News]

The researchers admit that the relationship between adult violence and candy consumption during childhood needs further study.

Since this is considered the first scientific study of such a long-term relationship between aggressive behaviour and candy consumption, no doubt some scientists are skeptical of its conslusions.

However, as is the case with science, further research will in all likelihood decide if there is indeed a direct relationship between childhood candy consumption and adult aggressive acts.