| Abstract [eng] |
Studies reveal mixed effects of added sugar on cognitive processes and emotional well-being. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of added sugar consumption and short-term fasting on cognitive and executive functions and emotional responses, using computerized task performance and event-related potentials (ERP). In addition, to assess how impulsivity, frequency of sugary food consumption, and food addiction-like behavior relate to the effects of both immediate sugar consumption and short-term fasting. 75 subjects participated in the three-part experiment. It was found that after consuming added sugar, information processing, sustained attention, and psychomotor speed improved. On the other hand, subjects’ impulsive actions increased, requiring more cognitive efforts to inhibit responses and achieve the same behavioral outcome. Emotional responses to unpleasant and neutral images increased. After short-term fasting, information processing, sustained attention, response control, and psychomotor speed improved. However, cognitive conflict over the emotional meaning of words increased, and decision-making slowed. Emotional responses to unpleasant images increased. Finally, the effects of added sugar consumption and short-term fasting on cognitive and executive functions and emotional responses were associated with impulsivity, frequency of added sugar consumption, and food addiction-like behavior. |
