Fructose Heightens Chance of Cancer

Researchers at the University of California have discovered that fructose has serious implications for people suffering from pancreatic cancer. Too much sugar of any kind not only adds pounds, but is also a key culprit in diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. However, these findings, published in the journal Cancer Research, show that our refined food supply – high in fructose – not only makes us sick, but is killing us.

Another study found that “fructose intake is associated with increased risk of small intestinal cancers, and possibly others. Fructose enhances protein synthesis and appears to promote a more aggressive cancer phenotype.

Glycolisis is the major pathway which fuels cancer growth and fructose provides an alternative carbon source for glycolysis, entering downstream of glucose and bypassing two key rate-limiting steps.” (Curr. Opin. Endocrinol Obes., 2012 Oct;19(5):367-74. doi: 10.1097/MED.0b013e328357f0cb)

Fructose has become ubiquitous in our food supply, with the highest consumers being teens and young adults over the past 30 years.

According to MSNBC:

“Americans take in large amounts of fructose, mainly in high fructose corn syrup, a mix of fructose and glucose that is used in soft drinks, bread and a range of other foods. Politicians, regulators, health experts and the industry have debated whether high fructose corn syrup and other ingredients have been helping make Americans fatter and less healthy.”

Given the amount of studies available on this subject, I’m not sure why there is still a debate  going on. Clearly these type of ingredients do make people overweight and sick. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative we understand the potential health consequences of fructose and its role in chronic disease development. Sadly, science continues to mimic the tail waging the dog, working on developing a drug that might stop tumor cells from making use of fructose. I suppose it’s so much easier than simply teaching people to put down the offending substance and not eat it.