Regulating a Sweet Tooth

     Professor Matthew Potthoff and his associates have identified the first hormone ever shown to specifically regulate sugar intake. The liver produced hormone is called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21 for short). The hormone suppresses the consumption of simple sugars. The production of the hormone is triggered by consumption of large quantities of carbohydrate. The hormone also improves insulin sensitivity.

     Normal mice injected with FGF21 consumed seven times less sugar when given the opportunity than did normal mice. This study suggests that strict avoidance of carbohydrates may result in sugar cravings undermining efforts of those who are obese to lose weight or of diabetics to control blood sugars.

Reference:

Cell Metabolism, von Holstein-Rathlou and BonDurant et al: "FGF21 Mediates Endocrine Control of Simple Sugar Intake and Sweet Taste Preference by the Liver" dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.12.003