Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Love of Sweets Comes from Genes, Danish Scientists Say | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Packets of M&M’s chocolates are seen at the production line of
candy and chocolate maker Mars Chocolate France’s plant in Haguenau,
eastern France, in December 2011. VINCENT KESSLER/REUTERS


Copenhagen, London- Danish researchers said they discovered that people who have a sweet tooth have two particular genetic variants of the FGF21 hormone that dominate in them more than others.

Researchers led by Matthew Gillum said that the data based on a study of the lifestyles and metabolic health of 6,500 Danish individuals is a really surprising insight into the potential hormonal basis of the sweet tooth.

Previous studies conducted in rodents and monkeys showed that the liver-produced hormone curbs human cravings for sweets.

In their study, the Danish researchers focused on the impact of the two genetic variants that contain the FGF21, which affect people’s demand for sweets. They also compared genomes of the 6,500 people covered in the study with their eating habits and their food preferences.

Researchers found that people with two particular genetic variants of the FGF21 hormone were about 20 percent more likely to consume more sweets compared to other participants.

Researchers said that people who tend to eat more sweets are not exposed to weight gain or diabetes type-2.

Scientists asserted that people who partook in the study didn’t only suffer from sweet cravings, but also tended to consume more alcohol and tobacco products. According to scientists, this means that the FGF21 hormone affects the rewards system in the brain.

In another experience, researchers revealed the major role of this hormone in the body. Results showed that the FGF21 hormone which circulates in the blood controls the consumption of sweets in adult humans just like it does in rodents and monkeys. They suggested that the liver releases other hormones that affect nutrition in humans.