Hormone that controls sugar cravings found, scientists reveal
Research shows the hormone, FGF21, tells the brain to avoid seeking sweet foods
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A hormone that could control sugar cravings has been identified in the liver, scientists claim.
Research conducted on monkeys and mice has shown the hormone, FGF21, tells the brain to avoid seeking sweet foods.
FG21 is produced in response to high carbohydrate levels and enters the bloodstream to signal to the brain to suppress sugar cravings, says the research published in the journal Cell Metabolism.
Scientists injected FGF21 into mice and gave them a choice between a normal diet and a sugar-enriched diet. Observations showed that mice consumed seven times less sugar after receiving the hormone.
The study's co-senior author Doctor Matthew Potthoff, assistant professor of pharmacology at the University of Iowa said: "This is the first liver-derived hormone we know that regulates sugar intake specifically," the Telegraph reported
"We've known for a while that FGF21 can enhance insulin sensitivity," Co-first author Lucas BonDurant added. "Now, there's this dimension where FGF21 can help people who might not be able to sense when they've had enough sugar, which may contribute to diabetes," according to the Daily Mirror.
Additional work is necessary to identify the exact neural pathways that regulate FGF21's ability to manage sugar preferences, scientists have said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments