A recent study (Cancer Research) reported that pancreatic tumor cells were found to use fructose to divide and grow. The researchers from UCLA found that tumor cells fed both glucose and fructose used the two sugars in different ways. Fructose was found to result in rapid growth of pancreatic cells. “These findings show that cancer cells can readily metabolize fructose to increase proliferation,” Dr. Anthony Heaney of UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center and colleagues wrote.
The human body absorbs glucose and fructose using different pathways. It would make sense that there would be differing responses from cancer cells to glucose and fructose.
We eat much too much fructose. Estimates are that Americans eat approximately 50gm/day. Many chronic diseases can be linked to the overconsumption of fructose such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Many (if not most) sweetened foods and beverages are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. It is found in most bakery products, soft drinks, yogurts, as well as other foods.
What can you do? Look at your food labels and, most importantly, think about what you are eating. Eat whole foods without added sugars. Do not drink soda (sugar-free soda is really no better). Drink water instead.
Hi guitarmom,
I am not referring to naturally-occurring fructose. Naturally-occurring fructose occurs in food with other vitamins, minerals and enzymes which aid in its digestion. Also, man-made fructose can be contaminated with mercury.
Dear Dr. Brownstein — Could you please clarify if we ought avoid actual fruits, like fresh peaches and fresh plums, due to their fructose content? Or is your recommendation to avoid fructose specifically as an additive?
Thank you,
Guitarmom