Washington, Oct 1 : Children who eat sweets and chocolate every day are more likely to grow into aggressive adults, according to a new study.

The study of almost 17,500 participants in the 1970 British Cohort Study found that 10-year-olds who ate confectionary daily were significantly more likely to have been convicted for violence at age 34 years.

The study has been published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

Researchers from Cardiff University found that 69 per cent of the participants who were violent at the age of 34 had eaten sweets and chocolate nearly every day during childhood, compared to 42 percent who were non-violent.

The link between confectionary consumption and violence remained after controlling for other factors.

The researchers put forward several explanations for the link. Lead researcher Dr Simon Moore said: "Our favoured explanation is that giving children sweets and chocolate regularly may stop them learning how to wait to obtain something they want. Not being able to defer gratification may push them towards more impulsive behaviour, which is strongly associated with delinquency."

The researchers concluded: "This association between confectionary consumption and violence needs further attention. Targeting resources at improving children''''s diet may improve health and reduce aggression." (ANI)