Effect of fructose on health

Abstract

Fructose and fructose-based sweeteners are the most commonly added sugars in our diet. Fructose has both beneficial actions as well as harmful effects.Lactulose formed by lactose isomerization, stimulates the growth of health-promoting bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and suppresses proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. Calcium fructo-borate reduces exacerbated cellular immune responses induced by mycotoxins from Fusarium species. Fructooligosaccharides have probiotic effect, improve mineral absorption, reduce constipation, and reduce serum levels of cholesterol, triacylglycerols and phospholipids. They are additives in some food products and infant formulas due to their probiotic effect. Fructose is a highly lipogenic nutrient implicated in insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and the metabolic syndrome. Fructose induces an increase in ethanol metabolism and elevates the risk of Syndrome X. A high-fructose diet aggravates eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy in experimental volume overload.The diet also results in development of hypertension. Excessive dietary carbohydrates, especially fructose, may promote the development of Alzheimer's disease. An excess of carbo-hydrates, such as fructose and chocolate, either during gestation or lactation, has an adverse effect on offspring.Maternal fructose intake during pregnancy and lactation alters placental growth and leads to sex-specific changes in fetal and neonatal endocrine function. The aqueous extract of Globularia alypum decreases hypertriglyceridemia and ameliorates oxidative status of the muscle, kidney, and heart in rats fed a high-fructose diet. Grape seed extract supplementation prevents high-fructose diet-induced insulin resistance in rats by improving insulin and adiponectin signalling pathways. Despite the evidence presented above, some investigators are of the opinion that there is insufficient evidence to support the prohibition or restriction of the use of high fructose corn syrup or other fructose-containing sweeteners or to advocate the use of warning labels on products containing high fructose corn syrup. Although some studies indicate that fructose does not bring about biologically relevant changes in triglyceride or body weight when consumed at levels near 95th percentile estimates of intake, it is advisable to restrict ingestion of caloric sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrup. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.