Sugar "Bingeing" Could Affect Brain Development

Most of us enjoy a sugary, sweet snack occasionally, but we need to be aware that the hazards of sugar are not just to our waistlines.   

A 2008 study published by Princeton University scientist presented evidence demonstrating that sugar can be a very addictive substance, wielding its power over the brains of lab animals in a manner similar to many drugs of abuse.

The team has been studying signs of sugar addiction in rats for years and finding signs of increased intake and withdrawal, two of the components of addiction.

This study showed that rats eating large amounts of sugar when hungry, a phenomenon described as sugar-bingeing, undergo neurochemical changes in the brain that appear to mimic those produced by substances of abuse, including cocaine, morphine and nicotine. Sugar induces behavioral changes, too. "In certain models, sugar-bingeing causes long-lasting effects in the brain and increases the inclination to take other drugs of abuse, such as alcohol," the authors noted.

The researchers conducted the studies by restricting rats of their food while the rats slept and for four hours after waking. "It's a little bit like missing breakfast," the author said. "As a result, they quickly eat some chow and drink a lot of sugar water." (Bingeing)    “In this case they are bingeing on a 10 percent sucrose solution, which is like a soft drink."

Hungry rats that binge on sugar provoke a surge of dopamine(normal neurotransmitters) in their brains. After a month, the structure of the brains of these rats adapts to increased dopamine levels, showing fewer of a certain type of dopamine receptor than they used to have and more opioid receptors.  Sugar bingeing literally changed the structure of the brain and its chemical receptors of the rats.  These dopamine and opioid systems are involved in motivation and reward systems that control wanting and liking something.  Similar changes also are seen in the brains of rats on cocaine and heroin.

The researchers were able to produce signs of withdrawal in the lab animals by taking away their sugar supply.  The rats exhibited anxiety as a sign of withdrawal. The rats' teeth chattered, and the creatures were unwilling to venture forth into the open arm of their maze, during sugar withdrawal the rats were too anxious to explore.

Sugar bingeing can be seen in children and young adults, especially around holidays and could have far more significant effects, even on their development,  than previously thought if the laboratory models reflect the human response. 

For your better health,

Dr. Heller