In this methodological review, we examine the behavioral effects of carbohydrates and tryptophan and conclude that high-carbohydrate foods do not provoke hyperactivity, contrary to popular beliefs. Unbalanced carbohydrate meals, however, often induce fatigue and can impair performance among both children and adults. Although tryptophan hastens sleep onset, dulls pain sensitivity, and may reduce aggressiveness, it is unclear whether similar effects can be obtained through carbohydrate ingestion. We provide support for the hypothesis that carbohydrates and tryptophan function similarly and like drugs that modify brain biochemistry and accompanying mood and behavior. We also examine implications for clinical populations who selectively crave carbohydrates.Despite professional skepticism, both anecdotal and empirical evidence continue to suggest that foods affect behavior. The empirical literature has now grown sufficiently to evaluate the validity of beliefs about one nutrient category, carbohydrates.Claims about the psychological effects of carbohydrates, especially sugar, are multiple. They range from the assumption that sugar enhances activity and aggression, to the premise that sugar has an energizing effect on behavior, to the assertion that sugar induces an anxious or depressed mood. Scientific evaluation and dissemination of accurate information about diet-behavior relations may lead to beneficial applications. They may also help to dispel folk wisdoms that can justify ineffective or even harmful health practices.Recent clinical research suggests that certain population subgroups selectively crave carbohydrates, usually as snack foods.Examples include some proportion of individuals with obesity

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SynopsisThe hunger perceptions and satiety responses to a high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich food among 10 normal-weight females who met the DSM-III criteria for bulimia were compared with 10 normal-weight females who denied a current or past history of eating or weight disorders. As indicated by self-report responses on the Hunger–Satiety Questionnaire, bulimics did not differ from the normals in their perceptions of hunger sensations. Differences, however, were detected the responses following eating. Most notably, the bulimics reported feelings of irritability, nervousness, tenseness and depression which persisted 30 minutes later. These findings and directions for future research are discussed.

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