High Fructose Diets Damage Brain Function and Appetite Control, Study Reveals

By Tarun Sai Lomte

Recent studies suggest that diets rich in fructose, particularly those found in processed foods, can interfere with hunger cues and cause lasting alterations in the brain, which raises worries about their impact on young, still-developing minds.

Review: Mindful Eating: An In-Depth Look at Fructose Metabolism and Its Impact on Appetite Control and Brain Function Image Credit: Oleksandra Naumenko / Shutterstock

A recently published review study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism reviewed the metabolic consequences of fructose intake and its effects on the brain.

Throughout evolution, mammals may have relied on the consumption and metabolism of excess fructose as a survival mechanism to store energy and ensure its availability during periods of scarcity. This suggests that high fructose intake leads to a state of low energy, characterized by reduced production and utilization of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), while also promoting hunger and encouraging further food-seeking behavior. Glycogenolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and lipolysis are inhibited to store fat and glycogen in the liver.

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