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Fructose Fueling Risk of NAFLD, New Study Warns

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A new study published today suggests that high fructose consumption be avoided in order to prevent the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar that can be found in fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables, and honey. Fructose sugars in these forms can be part of a healthy diet. Fructose, on the other hand, is a component of high-fructose corn syrup, which is made from corn starch and added to harmful foods like sodas and candy. High fructose foods have been linked to metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes, which are two of the most common causes of NAFLD.

NAFLD, a chronic illness in which extra fat builds up in the liver, affects about 24% of individuals in the United States. Heavy drinking does not cause fat accumulation. NAFLD can lead to persistent liver disease, which can result in death. Since no medications have been given the go-ahead to treat NAFLD, the recommended treatment consists of a healthy diet and regular exercise.

According to main author Theodore Friedman, “NAFLD is a serious problem and it is increasing in the population. There is a racial/ethnic difference in the prevalence of the NAFLD. People consume high-fructose corn syrup in foods, soft drinks and other beverages . 

“Some studies suggested that consumption of high-fructose corn syrup is related to the development of NAFLD.”

In this particular investigation, the researchers looked at information provided by 3,292 people who had taken part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018. They found that the people who ate the most fructose were mostly Mexican Americans (48 percent) and non-Hispanic Blacks (44 percent), while only a small number of non-Hispanic whites did (33 percent ). The Mexican Americans who ingested the most fructose had the highest prevalence of NAFLD (70 percent ).

After controlling for demographics and behavioral characteristics (smoking, moderate alcohol intake, food quality, and physical activity), they discovered that “high fructose consumption was associated with a higher chance of NAFLD among the total population and Mexican Americans,” Friedman added.

When the researchers took into account body composition and laboratory data, they discovered that excessive fructose consumption was linked to a higher risk of NAFLD in the general population, Mexican Americans, and Whites.

“High fructose consumption in Mexican Americans contributed, in part, to the health disparity of NAFLD,” Friedman explained.

To avoid the development of NAFLD, Friedman and colleagues recommend that health care practitioners advise patients to consume less foods and beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup.

Image Credit: Getty

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