Study finds full fructose diet can damage the immune system

A fructose diet with high sugar may inhibit the proper functioning of human immune systems in ways that were, until now, largely unknown.

The study, led by Swansea scientists in collaboration with scientists at Bristol University and the Francis Crick Institute in London, was published in the journal Nature Communications.

Fructose is commonly found in sugary drinks, sugars and processed foods and is widely used in food production. It is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and has become widespread in the developed world in recent years.

However, understanding the effect of fructose on the immune system of people who eat it at high levels has been limited so far.

The new study shows that fructose causes the immune system to become inflamed and that process produces more reactive molecules associated with inflammation. Inflammation of this type can lead to damage to cells and cigarettes and contribute to organs and body systems that are not functioning properly and can cause infection.

The research also provides a deeper understanding of how fructose may be linked to diabetes and obesity – as low – grade inflammation is often associated with obesity. It also builds on the growing body of evidence available to public health policymakers about the harmful effects of consuming high levels of fructose.

Dr Nick Jones, of Swansea University School of Medicine, said, “Research into different parts of our diet can help us understand what can contribute to inflammation and disease and what can be used to promote health and wellbeing. “

Dr Emma Vincent at Bristol School of Medicine: Population Health Sciences (PHS), said, “Our study is encouraging because it takes us a step further towards why some diets may be lead to ill health. ”

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This story was published from a wire group group with no text changes.