foodconsumer.org: Fructose vs. glucose debate ignited by study

Fructose vs. glucose debate ignited by study
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admin on 04/27/2009 02:17:00
 
Saturday April 26, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) -- A recent study led by Peter Havel
of the University of California-Davis indicates that fructose may lead to
metabolic syndrome and other complications more readily than glucose.
Thirty-two obese individuals were tested over a ten week period; some were
allowed fructose sweetened beverages, the other group was offered glucose
sweetened drinks. The drinks constituted 25% of their energy needs each day.
Members of both groups gained the same amount of weight; however, the fructose
group gained significantly more intra-abdominal (belly) fat than did the glucose
group. They also became somewhat insulin resistant, and had increased levels of
lipids in their bloodstreams.
Other researchers are not quite as certain that there would be much difference
over the long haul between the two groups. Dr. Matthias H. Tschop of the
University of Cincinnati told WebMd that chemically, there is little difference
between high fructose corn syrup and table sugar; the ratio of fructose to sugar
is 55/45 in the former, while it's 50/50 in the latter.
Cardiologist James Rippe, consultant for the Corn Refiner's Association, adds
that although obesity and diabetes are on the rise in this country, they are
increasing no faster than they are in countries that do not use high fructose
corn syrup for sweetening, such as Mexico, Europe and Australia.
All researchers agree that the reason for the increased rate of metabolic
syndrome is that we are consuming 24% more calories than we did in the past, and
our lives have become more sedentary. This leads to insulin resistance, which
over time, leads to type 2 diabetes.
A study completed in 2005 by Havel revealed that the average American consumes
64 grams of sugar per day; most of these empty calories are in the form of
non-diet, carbonated beverages that contain 9-10 teaspoons of sugar. In order to
decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and coronary artery
disease or CAD, physicians encourage a reduction in caloric intake, and a
regular exercise routine.
(By Rachel Stockton, and edited by Heather Kelley)