Washington (SmartAboutHealth) - According to a new study released this week, kids who have an extreme sweet tooth have an increased risk of having a family history of both alcoholism, as well as depression.

The study was carried out by researchers led by Julie Mennella from the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Researchers focused on a group of 300 children between the ages of 5 to 12.

They had the children try out 5 different types of table sugar, with varying levels of sweetness.

They then had the kids answer surveys about depression, and inquired with their families about any history of alcoholism.

Researchers found a direct correlation between having an extreme sweet tooth, and both depression, as well as alcoholism.

There were 37 kids who had both a family history of alcoholism, as well as symptoms of depression.

Each of these 37 kids preffered the most extreme level of sweetness.

In total, 50% of the kids in the study ha da family history of alcoholism, while 25% had symptoms of depression.

The study is published in the journal Addiction.