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- Sugar does not improve mood and may even make it worse, according to a new study published in Neuroscience and biobehavioral exams
- Using data from 31 studies, researchers found that sugar consumption did not have a beneficial effect on mood.
- Instead, sugar increases fatigue and decreases alertness in the hour following its consumption
Sugar does not improve mood and can make people less alert and more tired after their consumption – according to a new study from the University of Warwick, the Humboldt University of Berlin and from Lancaster University.
The research team set out to examine the myth of the "sugar rush": can sugar really put you in a better mood?
Dr. Konstantinos Mantantzis of the Humboldt University of Berlin, Dr. Sandra Sünram-Lea of Lancaster University, and Dr. Friederike Schlaghecken and Dr. Elizabeth Maylor of the Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, studied the effects of sugar on various aspects of mood, including anger, alertness, depression and fatigue.
They also examined how factors such as the amount and type of sugar consumed could affect mood, and whether participating in demanding physical and mental activities had an impact.
The researchers found that:
- Sugar consumption has virtually no effect on mood, regardless of the amount of sugar consumed or people engaging in stressful activities after taking it.
- people who consumed sugar felt more tired and less alert than those who did not.
- The idea of a "sugar rush" is a myth without truth.
Professor Elizabeth Maylor, from the University of Warwick, said:
"We hope that our findings will go a long way toward dispelling the myth of the" sugar rush "and informing public health policies aimed at reducing sugar consumption."
Dr. Konstantinos Mantantzis, from the Humboldt University of Berlin, who led the study, said:
"The idea that sugar can improve mood has largely influenced popular culture, to the point that people around the world are consuming sugary drinks to become more alert or combat fatigue."
"Our results very clearly indicate that such claims are not justified – sugar could even make you feel worse."
Dr. Sandra Sünram-Lea added:
"The increase in obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in recent years underscores the need for evidence-based dietary strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle throughout life." indicate that sugary drinks or snacks do not provide a "quick recharge" in fuel feeling more alert. "
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NOTES TO EDITORS
The paper's Sugar Rush or Sugar Crash? A meta-badysis of the effects of carbohydrates on mood is in press Neuroscience and biobehavioral exams.
It is co-written by Dr. Konstantinos Mantantzis, Dr. Friederike Schlaghecken, Dr. Sandra Sünram-Lea and Professor Elizabeth Maylor.
DOI: https: /
See the paper at: https: /
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Alice Scott
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University of Warwick
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Email: [email protected]
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