Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Role of Fructose in Superfeeding

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.034

Commentary

Excessive intake of fructose is problematic because it is associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. Fructose-containing, fructose-based sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, are becoming increasingly prevalent in our diets.

Increased fructose consumption is associated with increased obesity and contributes to the prevalence of obesity around the world. Dietary fructose may also be multifactorial by promoting visceral adiposity, hypertension, and insulin resistance.

One emerging finding from human and animal studies is that dietary fructose promotes overdose. Since the brain is an important regulator of food intake, this study hypothesizes that fructose can act in the brain and elucidates the brain system of fructose-induced overdose.

The results of the study found that fructose acts on multiple interdependent brain systems to increase appetite-promoting drives and food incentive saliency, while simultaneously reducing latency between food seizures and reducing cognitive control to inhibit eating.

It was further concluded that the collective action of fructose may promote eating behavior by creating a hunger-like state in the brain.