PubHawk
November 1995 PMID 8697046

Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression.

R J Wurtman, J J Wurtman

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Mentions

111
Peak: 10 in Nov 2021
across 5 sources since Jan 2019

Extended reach

1,050,418
potential audience

Total likes

497

Video views

18,908

Mentions per month

Jan 2019 – Jul 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News64 articles
  • X / Twitter23 posts
  • Facebook12 posts
  • Blogs10 articles
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect a clear consensus that carbs play a role in serotonin production, with phrases like 'Carbs are pro serotonin' and questions such as 'Do we need carbs to be happier?' illustrating curiosity and support. The tone varies from casual to scientific, emphasizing the relevance of the research to mental health and diet choices, which enhances the perceived significance of the publication.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the idea that carbohydrates influence serotonin and mood, with phrases like 'Carb are pro serotonin' and 'carbohydrates increase serotonin'.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions demonstrate high engagement by referencing specific mechanisms, implications for mood, and various research studies, indicating strong interest in the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants reference scientific findings, share opinions, and discuss potential effects on mental health and obesity, showing moderate to high engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Some posts highlight the practical implications of the research, such as managing depression or weight, suggesting moderate impact in terms of influencing opinions or behaviors.

Abstract in brief

  • Serotonin-releasing neurons in the brain are uniquely influenced by food intake, with carbohydrate consumption increasing serotonin release through insulin and tryptophan, while protein intake does not.
  • This mechanism helps regulate the intake of carbohydrates and proteins, but serotonin also plays roles in sleep, pain sensitivity, blood pressure, and mood, which can lead to overeating carbohydrates for emotional comfort.
  • Such overeating, especially of high-carb, high-fat foods like snacks, is linked to weight gain and is common in conditions like stress, premenstrual syndrome, winter depression, and nicotine withdrawal, with medications like Dexfenfluramine helping reduce carbohydrate cravings.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr. Jay Wrigley
@hormonedietdoc · X

Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hormonal balance. However, using potato chips to feel better will backfire Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression https://t.co/liC0vMAFHh

Nov 16, 2021 · 73 likes · 8 shares · 106,871 followers View post →
Angela J. White
@50Plushealths · X

Hormone Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression https://t.co/aa1AS0RohO

Jan 3, 2019 · 2 likes · 284,446 followers View post →
UltimApe
@ultimape · X

@mold_time @Suddenly_a_Goat @seconds_0 @eigenrobot The studies I've read on it's impact on things like snails and slugs, worm etc are via action on serotonin related pathways associated w/ mucus production. My suspicion is GI issues are due to mucus downregulation by serotonin associated gut bacteria. https://t.co/D12NuR85Ti

Aug 9, 2021 · 2 likes · 6,761 followers View post →
Angela J. White
@50Plushealths · X

#HormoneSerotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression https://t.co/aa1AS0AlfO

Mar 19, 2023 · 1 like · 284,446 followers View post →
Angela J. White
@50Plushealths · X

Hormone Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression https://t.co/aa1AS0RohO

Jan 9, 2019 · 1 like · 284,446 followers View post →
Jennifer Depew, RD
@deNutrients · X

@HealthyFellow @CaloriesProper @_atanas_ @_INPST @ChrisPalmerMD @drnevadagray @DrPalmquist @Mentalwellnes10 @JuhanaHarju ...via insulin secretion and the "plasma tryptophan ratio"--increases serotonin release; protein intake lacks this effect." https://t.co/2TUte6UjO6

Oct 23, 2020 · 1 like · 28,636 followers View post →

All mentions

The Role of Magnesium in Treating Major Depression

Dr. DawnElise Snipes discusses the impact of nutrition on mental health, particularly focusing on magnesium. She highlights how magnesium deficiency may contribute to depression and presents case studies showing rapid…

Doc Snipes · Feb 8, 2023 18,866 views
Kayla Winn
@amorvrais_ki08 · X

If you depressed af, eat some carbs !! I’m tellin you !! https://t.co/9tw3Ad99dI

Feb 6, 2024 · 1,010 followers View post →
Kiloss App
@kilossapp · X

Jan 19, 2024 · 2 followers View post →
booburrypancake
@booburrypancake · X

@HansAmato Carbs are pro serotonin though. https://t.co/eFapcSwMsS

Jul 11, 2023 · 14 followers View post →
歌島大輔＠日本一の整形外科医YouTube(22万人)
@pedro0507 · X

R J Wurtman et al. Obes Res. 1995 Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression

Mar 20, 2023 · 10,325 followers View post →
Angela J. White
@50Plushealths · X

#HormoneSerotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression https://t.co/aa1AS0AlfO

Mar 19, 2023 · 1 like · 284,446 followers View post →
Arthur Rabatin
@gentle_sir_hulk · X

Do we need #Carbs to be happier? Brain #serotonin, #carbohydrate-craving, #obesity and #depression: Carbohydrate Intake and serotonin. https://t.co/F07Zcs0ytN https://t.co/TUS82fQsnh

Nov 25, 2021 · 1 like · 229 followers View post →
Hubert Olie
@hubertolie · X

RT @hormonedietdoc: Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hor…

Nov 17, 2021 · 8 shares · 228 followers View post →
sara.art
@saraart4 · X

RT @hormonedietdoc: Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hor…

Nov 17, 2021 · 8 shares · 8,502 followers View post →
H Nairobian
@HNairobian · X

RT @hormonedietdoc: Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hor…

Nov 16, 2021 · 8 shares · 32 followers View post →
Trots
@Trots07930710 · X

RT @hormonedietdoc: Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hor…

Nov 16, 2021 · 8 shares · 132 followers View post →
kike
@FUENTESMANZULLI · X

RT @hormonedietdoc: Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hor…

Nov 16, 2021 · 8 shares · 249 followers View post →
kragen
@karagen · X

RT @hormonedietdoc: Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hor…

Nov 16, 2021 · 8 shares · 184 followers View post →
PC ⛓
@PC65049955 · X

RT @hormonedietdoc: Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hor…

Nov 16, 2021 · 8 shares · 1,444 followers View post →
AuthentiKate ☂️
@kateiswell · X

RT @hormonedietdoc: Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hor…

Nov 16, 2021 · 8 shares · 10,770 followers View post →
Dr. Jay Wrigley
@hormonedietdoc · X

Slippery slope. Some carbohydrate later in the day helps manufacture Serotonin & Melatonin for better mood, sleep & hormonal balance. However, using potato chips to feel better will backfire Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression https://t.co/liC0vMAFHh

Nov 16, 2021 · 73 likes · 8 shares · 106,871 followers View post →
UltimApe
@ultimape · X

@mold_time @Suddenly_a_Goat @seconds_0 @eigenrobot The studies I've read on it's impact on things like snails and slugs, worm etc are via action on serotonin related pathways associated w/ mucus production. My suspicion is GI issues are due to mucus downregulation by serotonin associated gut bacteria. https://t.co/D12NuR85Ti

Aug 9, 2021 · 2 likes · 6,761 followers View post →
Clayto Diogenes
@ClaytoDiogenes · X

@The_Nutrivore @zacharywenger @RDCMSF @CarnivoreMD @DrMauricioGon @AviBittMD https://t.co/Dc4eNCjaBl https://t.co/fxTTndl96P https://t.co/8DwX1uFq9d https://t.co/j5oDHXbUey https://t.co/1wNT1rWFxD https://t.co/Q910m8HCs9

Dec 26, 2020 · 42 followers View post →
Jennifer Depew, RD
@deNutrients · X

@HealthyFellow @CaloriesProper @_atanas_ @_INPST @ChrisPalmerMD @drnevadagray @DrPalmquist @Mentalwellnes10 @JuhanaHarju ...via insulin secretion and the "plasma tryptophan ratio"--increases serotonin release; protein intake lacks this effect." https://t.co/2TUte6UjO6

Oct 23, 2020 · 1 like · 28,636 followers View post →
(Ale)Sia
@spazz_sauce · X

@danvmster Aqui esta a mas detalle. https://t.co/2RBePtjBs0

Sep 27, 2020 · 1 like · 216 followers View post →
Ned Johnson
@NedJohnson · X

Uh, yeah, because #carbohydrates increase serotonin, which stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Tailors Know New Yorkers’ Pandemic Secret: ‘Everybody Got Fat!’ https://t.co/WGWuXDNuDU https://t.co/8NrakWbJaM.

Jul 25, 2020 · 2,140 followers View post →
uberpinguin
@UberPinguin · X

@generativist Carbohydrate consumption assists with serotonin production, https://t.co/gvaayRS5ur

Apr 2, 2020 · 1 like · 242 followers View post →
Angela J. White
@50Plushealths · X

Hormone Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression https://t.co/aa1AS0RohO

Jan 9, 2019 · 1 like · 284,446 followers View post →
Angela J. White
@50Plushealths · X

Hormone Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression https://t.co/aa1AS0RohO

Jan 3, 2019 · 2 likes · 284,446 followers View post →