A study conducted on rats by neuroscientists at the University of Florida reveals that a pregnant mother’s excessively fatty and sugary diet promotes alcohol and drug addiction in the child.
“The majority of women in the United States of childbearing age are overweight, and this is likely due to overeating on foods high in fat and sugar. The increase in prenatal and childhood obesity and the increase in the number of young people who abuse alcohol and drugs are worth watching and understandingsaid Nicole Avena, PhD, research neuroscientist at the University of the McKnight Brain Institute in Florida.
Sugar and fat harm the unborn child
Researchers compared weight and drug use between babies of rats fed high-fat foods, with offspring of rats fed a balanced diet during pregnancy. The results show that “malnourished” baby rats consume more alcohol, have higher levels of triglycerides, thus an increased risk of heart disease and higher weight in adulthood. They are also much more hyperactive when given low doses of amphetamines, which suggests that they have a higher sensitivity to the drug.
“Previous studies in laboratory animals and people have already shown that overeating impairs the brain, and that diets too high in sugar and fat can lead to increased appetite as well as certain addictive behaviors.», Recalls Nicole Avena. “Our results suggest that although rats are still in the womb, they are not protected from the risks of a diet too high in fat and sugar.“.
