A simple dose of sugar placed in a baby’s mouth before a needle procedure can significantly reduce pain, according to a new scientific review. The findings, published by researchers from the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa, suggest that sucrose may offer an effective, low-cost way to comfort newborns and infants undergoing routine medical procedures.

Infants, particularly those in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, frequently undergo procedures such as vaccinations, blood tests, or intravenous line insertions. Because their pain regulation systems are still developing, babies can experience pain more intensely than adults, making effective pain relief crucial.

The review, conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration, analyzed 29 trials involving 2,764 babies worldwide. In each study, infants were randomly assigned to receive either sugar solution, other pain relief methods such as pacifiers, breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, or no intervention. Researchers found that sugar reduced pain both during and immediately after needle procedures. In comparison, sugar appeared to provide more immediate relief than pacifiers alone.

“Parents may be surprised to learn that something as simple as a few drops of sugar solution can make a real difference to their baby’s comfort during blood tests,” said Ligyana Candido, co-author of the study from the University of Ottawa.

The study highlighted that while sugar is effective in the short term, its benefits compared with breastfeeding or skin-to-skin care remain less clear, due to limited evidence. Still, sugar offers a practical alternative, especially in situations where other comforting methods are unavailable.

Hospitalized newborns, including premature babies or those receiving treatment for specific conditions, are often exposed to repeated needle procedures. The review noted that untreated pain during these early stages of life can negatively affect growth and development. “Newborn babies undergo frequent needle procedures in hospital without any pain relief or comforting measures, even though older children and adults rarely have these procedures done without pain care,” said lead author Mariana Bueno from the University of Toronto.

Researchers emphasized that sugar works quickly, usually within minutes, and can be easily administered at a low cost. However, they cautioned that the long-term effects of repeated sucrose use in infants require further study.

“The message from our findings is ultimately that infants need and should receive pain management before a procedure such as venepuncture,” Bueno added.

The review provides strong evidence supporting the use of sugar as a safe and effective method to ease procedural pain in babies, potentially improving the hospital experience for both infants and their parents.

Air pollution, environmental noise, and exposure to toxic chemicals are contributing to a growing burden of mental health problems in Europe, the European Environment Agency (EEA) warned on Thursday. The agency called for “urgent and drastic action” to reduce pollution, noting that even modest improvements could significantly benefit mental well-being.

Mental health is influenced by a combination of genetics, social and economic conditions, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures. The EEA highlighted that long-term exposure to pollution can trigger or worsen mental health conditions, affecting people from childhood into adulthood.

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), has been linked to structural and functional changes in the brain. Systematic reviews show a consistent association between long-term exposure to poor air quality and depression. Short-term spikes in pollution have also been connected to worsening symptoms of schizophrenia. The agency emphasized that prenatal and early-life exposure to polluted air can have lasting effects on mental health.

Environmental noise is another major factor. Most research focuses on transportation noise from road traffic, railways, and aircraft. Chronic exposure can trigger stress responses, increase inflammation, and exacerbate mental health issues. The EEA noted that aircraft noise has the strongest link to depression, with studies showing a 12 percent increase in risk per 10-decibel rise. Annoyance from noise, especially in socially vulnerable populations, also contributes to depression and anxiety.

Chemical exposure presents additional risks. The EEA reviewed studies on heavy metals, pesticides, second-hand smoke, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A and PFAS. Lead and second-hand smoke have been associated with depression and schizophrenia, particularly when exposure occurs prenatally or during childhood. Pesticides have been consistently linked to depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, while prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors like bisphenol A has been tied to childhood depression and anxiety.

Mental health challenges remain widespread in Europe. According to the World Health Organization, one in six Europeans lives with a mental health condition, and one in three of those affected does not receive adequate treatment. In 2023, mental health disorders accounted for more than 11 million disability-adjusted life years lost across the European Union. These figures are expected to rise, particularly among young people and vulnerable communities.

The EEA stressed that tackling pollution could not only improve physical health but also have a meaningful impact on mental well-being. By reducing air and chemical pollutants and mitigating environmental noise, policymakers could ease the growing societal and economic burden of mental health conditions in Europe.