Research Shows No Harm at Typical Intake Levels

Fructose does not increase body weight, blood pressure, uric acid or insulin levels, and may improve glycemic control at normal consumption levels, according to research. A commentary done by Sievenpiper et al, “Fructose: Where does the truth lie?,” found that “the available evidence in humans did not support the view that fructose is harmful at typical intakes.”

In this article, researchers cited 12 studies published since 2008, synthesizing the data across numerous studies. They noted that some studies done with levels of fructose in excess of the 95th percentile of typical intake showed unfavorable effects of fructose on type 2 diabetes and triglycerides, but criticized those studies for “direct[ing] attention away from the problem of general overconsumption.” They stated that “high levels of [fructose] exposure and excess energy appear to be the dominant consideration for harm,” not fructose itself. They also noted that studies showing unfavorable effects of fructose failed to take into account the significant amount of fructose consumed from fruit.

Many factors contribute to optimal health, such as eating habits (including balance and moderation), exercise and long-term commitment. Health problems are unlikely to be caused by one particular food ingredient such as fructose.