Cane Sugar
What is Cane Sugar?
Cane sugar refers to sugar that comes, directly or indirectly, from the sugarcane plant. Because some forms of cane sugar are ‘naturally’ produced from the sugarcane plant, many people question whether or not it is better for you than refined sugars.
The American Heart Association recommends that kids ages 2-18 should have less than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugar daily. This does not include sugar from fruit.
100% fruit juice does not contain added sugar, but since the fiber is removed and the juice is so concentrated, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice a day for children ages 1 through 3 years; 4 to 6 ounces for children ages 4 through 6; and 8 ounces for children ages 7 through 14. Do not give fruit juice to infants under 1 year old.
To make cane sugar, sugarcane plants are harvested and sent to sugar mills where the plants are pressed to produce sugarcane juice. Water is then removed from the juice to make a thick syrup, where it will eventually be dried to form sugar crystals. [1]
Cane sugar exists in multiple forms: refined, raw and unrefined.
Refined cane-derived sugars are produced indirectly from the sugarcane plant and are processed significantly more than the raw and unrefined forms. The goal of processing is to remove the color and any impurities that remain in the sugar.
Raw cane-derived sugars are less processed than refined sugars, giving them a milder flavor and a pale brown color.
Unrefined cane-derived sugars are the least processed of the cane-derived sugars and are made directly from the sugarcane plant. They are characterized by a strong flavor and a brown color [1].
As the sugar undergoes refinement and processing, beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are lost. The make-up of cane sugar is mostly sucrose, in addition to a small amount of glucose and fructose. Research has shown that low sucrose intake is related to higher nutrient intake and growth in children than high intake of sucrose [2, 3].
As of now, there is little research looking directly at autism and cane sugar, but there is research that has shown a link between sugar intake and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gastrointestinal (GI) health. (See the Research section below)
Because of its minimal nutrient content and significant sucrose levels, it is important to keep intake of cane-derived sugars to a minimum.
Nutrient Breakdown
On its own, cane sugar contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Unrefined cane sugar contains slightly more nutrients because it comes directly from the sugarcane plant and undergoes less refinement and processing than refined and raw cane-derived sugars. Because of the small serving size, cane sugar provides little to no nutritional benefit [2].
Foods Containing Cane Sugar
Baked goods and sweets (chocolate bars, candy, ice cream)
Canned goods
Breakfast foods
Breakfast cereals
Granola
Cereal/granola bars
Sweetened beverages
Sauces and spreads
Ketchup
Barbecue sauce
Jams
Cane Sugar Alternatives
Dates (sugar or syrup)
Food Reactions
The body can respond to foods in many different ways including food allergies, food sensitivities, or food intolerances. If you suspect a food reaction, you can either choose to avoid the food or seek food reaction testing. Click here more information on the difference in types of food reactions and testing options.
DISCLAIMER: Always consult with your pediatrician and/or your Registered Dietitian to help you test for a food reaction or to aid you in making individualized dietary changes.
Cane Sugar & Autism in the Research
As of now, there is little research looking directly at autism and cane sugar, but there is research that has shown a link between sugar intake and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and gastrointestinal (GI) health.
Blood Sugar Levels
Recent studies have implicated that maternal lifestyle, especially relating to the mother’s diet and level of physical activity, may be associated with autism. Studies suggest that glucose abnormalities (blood sugar levels that are too high or low) in the embryo, fetus or neonate children may have a role in the development of ASD [4] .
ADHD and Behavior
There is an abundance of research looking at the effect of sugar on behavior in children. While some studies have found no relation between sugar intake and increased hyperactivity in children diagnosed with ADHD, other studies on nutrition have observed a link between the two [5, 6, 7]. Because studies on the topic are mixed there is no conclusive evidence either way, which is why research is still ongoing.
A study found a positive association between the Meditteranian diet and ADHD. Children with lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet were likely to have an ADHD diagnosis. Furthermore, individuals in the study with ADHD were found to have consumed higher amounts of simple sugars (candy, cola beverages, and non cola soft drinks) than those without a diagnosis [8].
These findings, along with other research, suggest that dietary factors potentially play a role in the development of ADHD [9].
Further research has observed a positive association between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and ADHD. More research is needed to determine the cause of this correlation [10].
GI Health
Children with autism who experience GI difficulties have been found to be deficient in enzymes needed for the digestion and absorption of complex sugars. The deficiency of these enzymes can cause bacteria to form that can lead to GI disturbances [11].
More than 90% of the children studied had deficits in at least two of the digestive enzymes, while 73 % had deficits in all three [11].
This study, along with others, have evidenced the disruption of the gut microbiome as being an important factor in autism [11].
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[1] Wojtczak M, Antczak A, Lisik K. Starch Content in Various Types of Cane Sugars as a Criterion of Quality and Authenticity. International Journal of Food Properties.2014;17(3):610-616.
[2] Eggleston G. Positive Aspects of Cane Sugar and Sugar Cane Derived Products in Food and Nutrition. J Agric Food Chem. 2018;66(16):4007-4012.
[3] Ruottinen S, Niinikoski H, Lagström H, et al. High sucrose intake is associated with poor quality of diet and growth between 13 months and 9 years of age: the special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project. Pediatrics. 2008;121(6):e1676-85.
[4] Sadek A, Berk LS, Mainess K, Daher NS. A Pilot Study: Parent Perceptions of Behavior Change in Their Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder Following High Antioxidant Cacao Consumption. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018;17(5):31-38.
[5] Williams BL, Hornig M, Buie T, et al. Impaired carbohydrate digestion and transport and mucosal dysbiosis in the intestines of children with autism and gastrointestinal disturbances. PLoS ONE. 2011;6(9):e24585.
[6] Kim Y, Chang H. Correlation between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sugar consumption, quality of diet, and dietary behavior in school children. Nutr Res Pract. 2011;5(3):236-45.
Authors
Laura Flournoy, Dietetic Intern
Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
