UCC Study: Childhood Junk Food Brain Changes

A new study led by University College Cork and conducted by scientists at APC Microbiome Ireland, published in Tata Communications>>>, found that consuming high-fat, high-sugar foods early in life can cause lasting changes in the brain's appetite control, even if diet improves later. These changes, linked to disruptions in the hypothalamus, may increase the risk of obesity. Researchers, including Cristina Cuesta-Marti>>> and Harriet Schellekens>>>, also discovered that beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium longum APC1472>>> and prebiotic fibers such as Fructooligosaccharide>>> and Galactooligosaccharide>>> can help reduce these long-term effects and support healthier eating behaviors. Collaborators included University of Seville>>>, University of Gothenburg, and Teagasc Food Research Centre>>>, with funding from Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science>>> and Biostime Institute for Nutrition and Care>>>. The research suggests new microbiota-based approaches to address diet-related health issues.