Sucrose and sweet taste

Abundant published evidence demonstrates the pain-reducing effects of sweet solutions in human infants and animals. Analgesic effects persist up to around 1 year of age in human infants, though there is less research to support analgesic effects in older infants and, for the existing research, effects are more moderate than seen in the neonatal period. Though the exact mechanisms are unclear, analgesic effects are believed to be due to the relationship between sweet taste and the endogenous opiate system. Based on the extensive evidence to support sweet solutions, their use can be recommended prior to commonly performed short-lasting minor painful procedures in newborn and young infants. Despite extensive research, knowledge gaps and controversies remain relating to the mechanisms of analgesia; the effectiveness and safety of sweet solutions when given over prolonged periods to preterm and sick infants; the effectiveness in sick infants receiving concomitant analgesics; and the effectiveness in children older than 12 months of age.

Sucrose and sweet taste

Abundant evidence demonstrates pain-reducing effects of sweet solutions in human infants and animals. Analgesic effects persist up to around 1 year of age in human infants, although the effects are more moderate than seen in the neonatal period. Effects are considered to be due to the relationship between sweet taste and the endogenous opiate system. Yet, despite extensive research, knowledge gaps remain relating to the exact mechanisms, the effectiveness and safety of sweet solutions when given over prolonged periods to preterm and sick infants, the effectiveness in sick infants receiving concomitant analgesics, and the effectiveness in children older than 12 months of age. Based on the extensive evidence to support sweet solutions, their use can be recommended prior to commonly performed short lasting minor painful procedures in newborn and young infants.