Common sweetener may trigger fat buildup in ways experts didn’t expect

Researchers concluded that fructose acts as a “metabolic signal that promotes fat production and storage in ways that differ fundamentally from glucose.”(iStock)

“Under modernconditions of overnutrition, chronic excess fructose drives features of metabolic syndrome,” the authors wrote.“Emerging evidence further links fructose to cancer and dementia.” (In this context, “overnutrition” means the body is consistently getting more calories and nutrients than it needs.)

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In a university press release, lead study author Richard Johnson, MD, professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz, confirmed that “fructose is not just another calorie.”

“It acts as a metabolic signal that promotes fat production and storage in ways that differ fundamentally from glucose,” he wrote.

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The report suggests that fructose may contribute to disease because it skips important steps in how the body processes energy.This can lead to more fat production, lower cellular energy, and the buildup of a compound associated with metabolic dysfunction.

“Over time, these effects may contribute to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes obesity, insulin resistance andcardiovascular risk,” the researchers confirmed.

Sugar substitutes are widely used for weight management, and some, like stevia and monk fruit, do not contain fructose.(iStock)

The authors added that fructose can also be produced internally from glucose, which suggests that its role in disease may be bigger than previously assumed.

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“This review highlights fructose as a central player inmetabolic health,” Johnson commented.“Understanding its unique biological effects is critical for developing more effective strategies to prevent and treat metabolic disease.”

As this research is a review, it only interprets existing evidence instead of proving a new result, posing a limitation to the findings.

Fructose is processed differently than other sugars, as it is mostly pushed through the liver, placing more of a burden on the organ.(iStock)

Another reason fructose may contribute to insulin resistance, blood sugar spikesand diabetesis that increased fat buildup in the body can interfere with insulin signaling, according to the nutritionist.

“Your pancreas doesn’t know how to keep up with the signaling of insulin, so it has to produce more and more insulin, and that’s whatturns into diabetes,” she said.

whole foods— like high-fiber apples or asparagus — help promote fullness and are less likely to spike blood sugar.

Some natural sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit, do not contain fructose.These may serve as better alternatives for people keeping a close eye on their metabolic health, such as those with diabetes or obesity.

Fructose can be found in processed sugars, as well as natural foods like fruits and vegetables.(iStock)

Sweetening recipeswith natural sugar byproducts, like apple sauce or apple juice, is another healthy alternative, DeCicco noted.

“Yes, there’s fructose because it is derived from apples, but you’re also getting antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber,” she said.

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Maple syrup also has less fructose than honey, DeCicco added, and rice malt and glucose syrup have zero fructose.

“I’m not saying someone should go out of their way to use those, but if they already have a bad liver, if they’re overweight,if they’re diabetic… and if they need to bake or have something sweet, I would use one of those alternatives,” she said.