Fructose Doesn’t Increase Body Weight

Normal consumption of fructose does adverse effect on body weight or serum triglycerides in normal, overweight or obese individuals, according to a new review published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

The researchers did not find any relationship between fructose and hyperlipidemia or increased weight. The findings support a similar review that analyzed the role of fructose on blood lipids, glucose, insulin and obesity among the healthy, normal weight population.

Both of the recent fructose reviews utilized an evidence-based approach employed by FDA when evaluating potential health claims for foods, beverages and food ingredients. The conclusion drawn from the two studies was that consumption of fructose does not increase triglycerides, body weight or food intake in normal weight or overweight/obese people. Researchers limited their analysis to the 95th percentile level of intake and below, which is considered the high end of dietary ingredient consumption.

“There is no evidence that ingestion of normal amounts of fructose is associated with an increase in food intake or body weight (compared to other carbohydrates), when it is not consumed in caloric excess. This is true for both normal weight people and people that are overweight or obese," said Dr. Laurie Dolan, lead author of both studies.

Commenting on the studies, Beth Hubrich, a registered dietitian with the Calorie Control Council, said: “Fructose is sweeter than sugar and so less can be used to sweeten foods and beverages. This helps to reduce calories in foods and drinks when used in appropriate product formulations.”

Sources:

* Calorie Control Council: Extensive Research Demonstrates that Fructose Does Not Increase Food Intake or Impact Body Weight