Sugar study scans brains to uncover why we crave sweets

NCT ID NCT06015490

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tested whether researchers can measure how different sugars (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) affect metabolism, brain activity, and food preferences in healthy adults. Seven participants consumed flavored sugar drinks multiple times and underwent brain scans and metabolic tests. The goal was to see if the methods work, not to draw firm conclusions about sugar's effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Sucrose, glucose, and fructose drinks
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help researchers understand how different sugars influence cravings and eating behavior.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 7 participants, so results may not apply to the general population. It is designed to test feasibility, not to prove any treatment works.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Appetitive Behavior Food Preferences

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

APPETITIVE BEHAVIOR FOOD PREFERENCES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion

Roanoke, Virginia, 24016, United States

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