The food and behavior link

My son appears to react negatively to high fructose corn syrup. His self control is effected and it seems to me that when I have him eat protein it helps bring him back to normal. Is there a scientific reason for this, is it my imagination or can the protein be helping to stabilize something inside him?  If protein is helpful could he be given a protein supplement daily to perhaps ward off any flare-ups during the day?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Marian,

Yes, there is a biological reason for what you observe. Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that regulate the electrical activity that moves from one neuron (brain cell) to another. Proteins are the precursors to the development of these neurotransmitters. Nutritional elements are very instrumental in the formation, structure and operation of brain cells and neurotransmitters, and thus can be central to such aspects of our functioning as emotions and behavior.

[Ruth]

I have been asking this same kind of question about my children's behavior relating to nutrition.  Can you direct me where to find more information on this subject?  Thanks

[JENNY]

my son is 12yrs old and he has always had problems with his bahaviour at nursery he was always hitting and biting other children he has always been a bit nervous  he bites his nails and has a habit of picking his nose which led to him getting picked on by other children at school he has some friend but he does not make riends very easily he has now started high school and has been excluded once for his bahaviour which includes disruptive bahaviour in class fighting with other children truanting he does not have a very good diet he would eat cereal for every meal if i let him he also drinks a lot of milk can his behaviour problems be related to the ammount of milk he drinks?