Journal of Literature Review
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): JULI-DESEMBER

Consumption of Sweet Foods and Tantrums: Can Biochemical Mechanisms Explain Emotional Dysregulation in Toddlers?

Ibnul Mubarok (Universitas Trunodjoyo Madura)
Emeiliya Sufiani (Universitas Trunodjoyo Madura)
Miftahul Jannah (Universitas Trunodjoyo Madura)
Jamila Jamila (Universitas Trunodjoyo Madura)
Dista Amalia (Universitas Trunodjoyo Madura)
Aditya Rakhmawan (Universitas Trunodjoyo Madura)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Jul 2026

Abstract

Temper tantrums in toddlers are generally explained by psychological factors, while the role of biochemical mechanisms has not yet been extensively studied. This study aims to analyze the biochemical mechanisms underlying the relationship between the consumption of sugary foods and emotional dysregulation in toddlers. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach through a literature review, analyzing scientific articles and reputable references on glucose metabolism, neurotransmitters, neurobiology, and emotional regulation. The analysis was conducted using content analysis to develop a conceptual synthesis of sucrose digestion, insulin regulation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, dopamine and serotonin synthesis, and changes in gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. The results of the study indicate that excessive sugar consumption has the potential to trigger fluctuations in blood glucose that disrupt neuronal energy homeostasis and neurotransmitter balance, thereby increasing susceptibility to emotional dysregulation. However, this relationship cannot yet be deemed causal, as it is also influenced by psychological and environmental factors. These findings underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding tantrums in toddlers and provide a foundation for future experimental research.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jlr

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Library & Information Science Social Sciences Other

Description

Jurnal yang menekankan pada ulasan dan analisis mendalam terhadap literatur yang telah ada termasuk narrative review, systematic review, dan scoping review, terutama karya ilmiah seperti artikel jurnal, buku, dan sumber-sumber relevan lainnya, terkait dengan topik penelitian tertentu. Tujuan utama ...