In a recent study from the University of Colorado, scientists found that conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and even aggressive behaviors may be linked to sugar intake.
They found that fructose, a component of sugar and high fructose corn syrup, and uric acid (a fructose metabolite), play a big role in increasing the risk for these mental disorders.
In the study, researchers reviewed research that shows a foraging response stimulates risk-taking, impulsivity, novelty seeking, rapid decision making, and aggressiveness to aid the securing of food as a survival response.
Over-activation of this process from excess sugar intake may cause impulsive behavior that could range from ADHD to bipolar disorder or even aggression.
While the fructose pathway was meant to aid survival, fructose intake has skyrocketed during the last century and may be in overdrive due to the high amounts of sugar that are in the current Western diet.
The study looked at how excessive intake of fructose present in refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup may have a contributory role in the pathogenesis of behavioral disorders that are associated with obesity and the Western diet.
The team suggests further studies to investigate the role of sugar and uric acid, especially with new inhibitors of fructose metabolism on the horizon.
The identification of fructose as a risk factor does not negate the importance of genetic, familial, physical, emotional and environmental factors that shape mental health.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about exercise ‘sweet spot’ to reverse cognitive decline, and these exercises could help reduce fatty liver disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about diet that could reduce your risk of dementia, and results showing this old drug can save your life from COVID-19.
The research was published in Evolution and Human Behavior and conducted by Richard Johnson et al.
Copyright © 2022 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
