A recent study has revealed a potential link between dietary fructose consumption and increased tumor growth, according to Medical Today.
The findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature, show that fructose promotes tumor growth in animal models of melanoma, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.
Fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey, is generally considered safe when consumed from whole food sources like apples or dates. However, concerns arise when fructose is consumed as high-fructose corn syrup, commonly found in sodas and processed foods.
Previous research has linked high-fructose corn syrup consumption to increased risks of Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, kidney disease, and cancer.
Experts note that over the past five decades, the widespread use of artificial sweeteners in processed foods has exposed humans to historically high levels of high-fructose corn syrup.
In this study, researchers induced tumors in animal models and maintained the subjects on a fructose-rich diet throughout the experiment.
The team built upon the long-established understanding that cancer cells prefer glucose as an energy source. They hypothesized that since glucose and fructose share many structural similarities, cancer cells might utilize fructose similarly to glucose.
The study revealed that the liver converts fructose into lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), a lipid associated with inflammation.
Researchers explained that cancer cells require substantial amounts of lipids for cell division. Higher blood levels of LPC were found to promote cancer cell replication, thereby accelerating tumor growth. The team concluded that high-fructose corn syrup consumption could potentially promote tumor growth.
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