Foods high in sucrose, or table sugar, influence brain reward circuitry in ways similar to those observed when addictive drugs are consumed, according to an Aarhus University-led study performed on minipigs.
![Winterdahl et al investigated the effects of sucrose using positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging with [11C]carfentanil (μ-opioid receptor agonist) and [11C]raclopride (dopamine D2/3 receptor antagonist) in seven female anesthetized Göttingen minipigs. Image credit: Winterdahl et al, doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-53430-9.](https://cdn.sci.news/images/enlarge7/image_8019e-Sugar-Brain.jpg)
Winterdahl et al investigated the effects of sucrose using positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging with [11C]carfentanil (μ-opioid receptor agonist) and [11C]raclopride (dopamine D2/3 receptor antagonist) in seven female anesthetized Göttingen minipigs. Image credit: Winterdahl et al, doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-53430-9.
“But I have been in doubt of the effects sugar has on our brain and behavior, I had hoped to be able to kill a myth.”
In the study, the scientists gave seven female Göttingen minipigs access to sucrose solution for one hour on 12 consecutive days.
To map the consequences of the sugar intake, they imaged the brains of the animals at the beginning of the experiment, after the first day, and after the 12th day of sugar.
“After just 12 days of sugar intake, we could see major changes in the brain’s dopamine and opioid systems,” Dr. Winterdahl said.
“In fact, the opioid system, which is that part of the brain’s chemistry that is associated with well-being and pleasure, was already activated after the very first intake.”
“When we experience something meaningful, the brain rewards us with a sense of enjoyment, happiness and well-being,” he added.
“It can happen as a result of natural stimuli, such as sex or socializing, or from learning something new.”
“Both natural and artificial stimuli, like drugs, activate the brain’s reward system, where neurotransmitters like dopamine and opioids are released.”
“If sugar can change the brain’s reward system after only twelve days, as we saw in the case of the pigs, you can imagine that natural stimuli such as learning or social interaction are pushed into the background and replaced by sugar and/or other artificial stimuli,” Dr. Winterdahl said.
“We’re all looking for the rush from dopamine, and if something gives us a better or bigger kick, then that’s what we choose.”
The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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M. Winterdahl et al. 2019. Sucrose intake lowers μ-opioid and dopamine D2/3 receptor availability in porcine brain. Sci Rep 9, 16918; doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-53430-9
