A new study strongly suggests that diets high in fructose damage the immune system. The new research has indicated that consuming a diet high in the sugar fructose might prevent the proper functioning of the immune system in ways that has, until now, largely been unknown.

Fructose is commonly found in sugary drinks, sweets and processed foods and is used widely in food production. It is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its intake has increased substantially throughout the developed world in recent years. However, understanding the impact of fructose on the immune system of people who consume it in high levels, has been limited until now.

The new study published in the journal Nature Communications shows that fructose exacerbates inflammation in the immune system and that process produces more reactive molecules which are associated with inflammation. Inflammation of this kind can go on to damage cells and tissues and contribute to impaired functioning of organs and body systems which then could lead to development of disease.

The research also brings a deeper understanding about how fructose could be linked to diabetes and obesity—as low-level inflammation is often associated with obesity. It also builds on the growing body of evidence available to public health policy makers about the damaging effects of consuming high levels of fructose.

Dr. Nick Jones, of Swansea University’s Medical School, said, “Research into different components of our diet can help us understand what might contribute to inflammation and disease and what could be best harnessed to improve health and wellbeing.”

Dr. Emma Vincent, Bristol Medical School, Populational Health Sciences (PHS), noted, “Our study is exciting because it takes us a step further towards understanding why some diets can lead to ill health.”

And as you prepare for the cold-weather onslaught of demand for immune-support supplements, take the opportunity to teach your customers that eliminating fructose is one small but powerful step in preserving immune function.

Reference:

Jones N, et al. “Fructose reprogrammes glutamine-dependent oxidative metabolism to support LPS-induced inflammation.” Nature Communications, 2021; 12 (1).

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