Dietary Fructose: A Literature Review of Current Evidence and Implications on Metabolic Health

Abstract

With the increasing intake of dietary fructose, primarily from sucrose and sweetened beverages, metabolic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, fatty liver disease, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia have become more prevalent worldwide, and there is also growing concern about the development of malignancies. These negative health impacts have been validated in various meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials. In contrast, the naturally occurring fructose found in fruits and vegetables contains only a minimal amount of fructose and, when consumed in moderation, may be a healthier choice. This review focuses on the biology of fructose, including its dietary sources, the physiology of its metabolism, and the pathological basis of various disorders related to high dietary fructose intake.