Gut Feeling: The Link Between Sugar Cravings and Gut Bacteria

    There was a recent study done by Nature Microbiology that found a gut bacterium called Bacteroides vulgatus and the molecule it produces, which is vitamin B5. This can help reduce the craving of sugar in mice. The mice used by the researchers were genetically engineered to be missing the FFAR4 sensor, this sensor normally detects certain fatty acids in the gut. Since these mice were missing the FFAR4 sensor, they had lower levels of B. vulgatus and vitamin B5, which resulted in them overeating sugar. When the mice were introduced to the bacteria and vitamin, their sugar intake decreased. This was most likely due to a chain reaction involving a protein called GLP-1, which is known for balancing blood sugar and appetite. Keep in mind, these side effects were heavily dependent on the fact that these mice lacking FFAR4 sensor. This means that animals' genetic makeup plays an important role on whether B. vulgatus actually helps with sugar cravings. Relating this to human, most of us also have an intact FFAR4 sensor, so theres a chance that the vitamin and bacteria might not affect people the same way. Some mice have genetic mutations that have been linked to B. vulgatus leading to gut inflammation. This shows us how much genetics can really influence how bacteria impacts health. The results of this study demonstrate the impact gut bacteria can have on behaviors such as sugar cravings. This study is difficult to apply in humans because we all have different genetics and microbiomes. 

        This article opened my eyes to how much gut bacteria can impact sugar cravings and it's actually more interesting than I thought. I think it would be incredibly beneficial for people's overall health and nutrition if we could do studies like this in humans in the future, but the fact that genetics vary from person to person makes it difficult. It would truly be amazing if scientists could discover how to manage sugar cravings with solutions that are created uniquely for our DNA and microbiomes. I know I personally get sugar cravings that I would love to put a stop to them. I feel like many people struggle with sugar cravings, and it would be beneficial to many if we could understand what causes the cravings in the first place.