Recent research suggests that children who have a very sweet tooth are more prone to depression and alcoholism. Apparently, the parts of the brain that are associated with addiction to alcohol are also associated with the sweet tooth. Children who had a very sweet tooth also had a family member who was alcoholic.

With further studies, we ought to be able to predict potential problems with addiction and depression before they become a problem. We already know that depression and alcoholism together are predictors of increased risk of suicide, particularly in men living alone. Perhaps early intervention in children from  preschool age and up to limit sweet and sugar intake will reduce future hospitalisations, cost to society and death rates.