The idea that sugar is an addictive substance that creates neurobiological changes similar to those in drug addiction is popular. The authors of this paper reviewed human and animal neuroscience studies on sugar and compared it with studies on drug addiction to find out if sugar could indeed be acting like a drug that could contribute to overeating and obesity.
Joanna Baker is a foodie, Dietitian and Registered nurse, who is passionate about digestive health. She now works exclusively on IBS and food intolerance, dividing her time between consulting as an advisor to FODMAP Friendly and Everyday Nutrition, her Melbourne based private practice.
Interview with Dr Jane Muir
Dr Jane Muir is currently Head of Translational Nutrition Science in the Department of Gastroenterology at Monash University. She is a trained dietitian with a PhD in biochemistry and has over 20 years experience in the area of nutrition research. Her major research focus has been on the important role of fermentable carbohydrates in the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
Despite the media focus on sugar, our biggest nutritional issue is eating too many discretionary foods. The last National Health Survey results showed Australians over 2 years of age are consuming 35% of their total kilojoules as discretionary foods (1).
Fructose has developed a bad name, with some products even boasting they are free-from fructose. While there are varied concerns around fructose, we’ve chosen to focus on claims around adverse affects on the liver.
Keep up to date with the latest news and publications from Sugar Nutrition Resource Centre.
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