Fructose

Definition

Fructose is one of the basic sugars found in nature. It is found in high concentrations in fruit, fruit juices, and many liquid sweeteners. Fructose, when linked to glucose, forms sucrose (table sugar).

Health considerations

Consumption of fructose leads to elevated triglycerides in the blood for up to five hours and interferes with levels of hunger- and satiety-indicating hormones. Animal studies have associated high-fructose diets to negative effects on cholesterol and triglycerides as well as some indicators of liver health, even without weight gain. Similar effects have been seen in human studies. Studies of human health and diet have associated high fructose intake with insulin resistance and development of metabolic syndrome. The human body has a limited ability to absorb fructose, thus some may experience diarrhea after consuming a large quantity in one sitting.

Keep in mind

Pure fructose has a lesser impact on blood sugar and insulin spiking than glucose and sucrose.

May be found in

Fruits, fruit juices, high fructose corn syrup, honey, agave syrup, molasses, crystalline fructose

References

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
Physiology & Behavior
Nutrition & Metabolism
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
JCEM: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Alternative Spellings and Names

Fruit sugar