A Pilot Study on the Effect of Added Sugar on Response Inhibition: Event-Related Potentials in a Go/NoGo Task

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Added sugar consumption is a significant public health concern.
• Research interest is growing in the cognitive and emotional effects of sugar intake.
• Understanding sugar's impact on impulsivity and cognitive functions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of added sugar intake on impulsivity.
• To assess changes in cognitive functions during a Go/NoGo task after sugar consumption.

Main Methods:

• 20 participants (10 male, 10 female) completed self-report questionnaires (DFS, YFAS 2.0, BIS-11).
• Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during a computerized Go/NoGo task.
• Psychophysiological and neuropsychological evaluations were conducted pre- and post-sugar intake.

Main Results:

• NoGo-P3 amplitude in event-related potentials (ERPs) increased after added sugar consumption.
• No significant behavioral differences were observed between sessions.
• Neuronal activity in NoGo trials was stronger following sugar intake.

Conclusions:

• Added sugar intake is associated with heightened neuronal firing during response inhibition (NoGo trials).
• Increased cognitive effort may be required to manage impulses post-sugar consumption.
• Findings suggest a potential link between sugar and altered cognitive control mechanisms.