Editorial
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World J Diabetes. Jun 15, 2011; 2(6): 77-81
Published online Jun 15, 2011. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v2.i6.77
High dietary fructose intake: Sweet or bitter life?
Massimo Collino
Massimo Collino, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, University of Turin, Torino 10125, Italy
Author contributions: Collino M solely contributed to this paper.
Supported by Shahinul Alam, Associate Professor, Department of Hepatology, BSM Medical University, House90. Road 9/A(New)
Correspondence to: Massimo Collino, PhD, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, University of Turin, via P. Giuria 9, Torino 10125, Italy. massimo.collino@unito.it
Telephone: +39-011-6707955 Fax: +39-011-2367955
Received: March 18, 2011
Revised: May 24, 2011
Accepted: May 31, 2011
Published online: June 15, 2011
Abstract

Epidemiological data show that the consumption of added sugars as ingredients in processed or prepared foods and caloric beverages has dramatically increased. Fructose and fructose-based sweeteners are the most commonly added sugars and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS-55: 55% fructose, 42% glucose and 3% higher saccharides) accounts for over 40% of all added caloric sweeteners. Concerns regarding the health risk of added sugar follow the demonstration that the consumption of foods and beverages high in sugars is associated with an increased prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and, more recently, ischemic heart and kidney diseases. The molecular mechanism(s) underlying the detrimental effects of sugar are not completely understood and their elucidation is critical to provide new insights on the health risk of fructose-based sweeteners. A better understanding of the key role of fructose overconsumption in the development of metabolic disorders may contribute to planning new strategies for preventing deleterious dietary behaviors from becoming established and, thus, curbing the rise in the number of insulin-resistant, obese and diabetic populations worldwide.

Keywords: Fructose; High-fructose corn syrup; Insulin resistance; Metabolic syndrome