Sucrose-induced analgesia is related to sweet preferences in children but not adults

Abstract

The present study tested the hypothesis that the efficacy of sucrose in reducing pain during the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) was related to its hedonic value. To this aim, we determined the most preferred level of sucrose and the analgesic properties of 24% w/v sucrose during the CPT in 242, 5-to 10-year-old children and their mothers. Outcome measures included pain thresholds (the time at which discomfort was first indicated) and pain tolerance (the length of time the hand was kept in the cold water bath). Although children, as a group, preferred significantly higher sucrose concentrations than adults, there were individual differences that allowed us to group them on the basis of those who preferred sucrose concentrations below that used in the CPT (24% w/v) and those who preferred levels ≥ 24% w/v sucrose. Regardless of such groupings, sucrose was not an effective analgesic in adult women. Unlike adults, the more children liked sucrose, the better its efficacy as an analgesic. That is, children who preferred ≥24%w/v sucrose exhibited an increased latency to report pain and tolerated pain for significantly longer periods of time when sucrose was held in their mouths relative to water. This effect was more pronounced among normal weight when compared to overweight/at risk for overweight children. The role that dietary habits and individual differences contribute to the preferences for sweet taste and its physiological consequences in children is an important area for future research.

Sweet Solution Analgesia

“…Furthermore, this efect of sweet tasting solutions does not persist beyond infancy [21]. This sweet taste-induced analgesia does not extend to adults, and it seems to be related to the degree of sweetness; thus higher sucrose concentration were preferred by children compared to adults [49]. One explanation is that as we grow, the positive hedonic value of sweet tasting substances decreases thus evoking less pleasure and less analgesia.…”

Potential of sucrose‐induced analgesia to relieve pain in male adults: A preliminary study

“…The volume and concentration of the SS were similar to that used in previous studies (Pepino & Mennella, 2005). The sequence in which the two solutions were administered to the participants was randomized by using a cross-over design.…”

Sugar and Salt in a Young Child’s Diet: Effect on Health

“…Существуют исследования, указыва-ющие на успокаивающее действие сахарозы и снижение болевой чувствительности у детей в отличие от взрослых [28][29][30]. Есть основания полагать, что сладкие продук-ты могут усиливать восприятие образов и запоминание новых слов детьми раннего возраста [31,32].…”