In Greenland, some people carry a particular genetic variant, which allows them to assimilate sugar in a different way from other human beings. Explanations.
- According to the WHO, it is important to reduce the intake of sugars to less than 5% of the total energy intake, or about 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day, to be in good health.
For several years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended limiting the consumption of sugary products, because ingested in excess, they can promote weight gain, obesity, diabetes or cavities. But according to a new study published in the journal Gastroenterology on December 13, sugar can, in some people, improve their metabolism.
A genetic variation present thanks to their diet
For the purposes of their work, researchers from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, examined two studies of people from Greenland. During their analysis, they discovered that the Greenlanders had a genetic mutation that allowed them to assimilate sugar differently from other human beings.
“This is probably due to the fact that Greenlanders have been low in sugars for millennia. They have mainly eaten meat, fish or reindeer, although they can eat currants from time to time”, explained Anders Albrechtsen, professor of biology at the University of Copenhagen and author of the research.
His team found that people carrying the Greenlandic genetic variant had a better metabolic profile than the rest of the population. “They have lower BMI, weight, fat percentage and cholesterol levels and are generally much healthier. They also have less belly fat. It is amazing and surprising that a genetic variation has a beneficial effect”, the researcher said in a press release.
A deficiency in “sucrase-isomaltase”
To understand how a genetic variation in some Greenlanders may make eating sugar healthy, scientists conducted an experiment in mice. The study authors noted that rodents carrying the Greenlandic genetic variation had a deficiency of the enzyme “sucrase-isomaltase”, which allowed them to metabolize sugar in the intestines in a particular way. Clearly, the sugar did not pass through the bloodstream but arrived directly in their belly.
“Gut bacteria convert sugar into a fatty acid called acetate. Previous studies have shown that this fatty acid reduces appetite, increases metabolism and boosts the immune system. This is most likely the mechanism occurring here,” said Mette K. Andersen, professor at the University of Copenhagen and author of the study.
The scientists drew a conclusion from their results: “We can see that the Greenlandic genetic variation allows for a better balance of fats in the bloodstream, which results in lower weight gain and, therefore, less cardiovascular disease. If we can put the no drug that inhibits the sucrase-isomaltase gene, then, in principle, we could all have more robust health.”
.
