Fructose, a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey, is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation. However, when consumed as high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods, it can pose health risks, including potentially contributing to cancer tumor growth, according to a recent study.
The Link Between Fructose and Cancer
For years, researchers have known that cancer cells have a high appetite for glucose, the primary sugar our bodies use for energy. This “glucose addiction” is exploited in medical imaging techniques like PET scans, where radioactive glucose highlights cancerous tumors.
Interestingly, fructose shares the same building blocks as glucose, differing only in their arrangement. A new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that cancer cells might utilize fructose in a similar way, potentially fueling tumor growth.
The study found that when animals were fed a fructose-rich diet, their livers converted fructose into a type of lipid called lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs). LPCs are linked to inflammation, and high levels in the bloodstream can promote cancer cell replication and tumor growth.
“Cancer cells are unique from most other cells in the body because they are rapidly dividing, which is what allows tumors to grow larger,” explained Gary Patti, PhD, the Michael and Tana Powell Professor of Chemistry, Genetics, and Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. “For a cancer cell to divide into two, it has to make a new set of cellular contents. That requires a lot of nutrients, which ultimately come from the diet. It is therefore intuitive to imagine that dietary modifications could influence the process of tumor growth.”
Expert Insights
Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD, surgical oncologist, chief of medicine, and Director of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA, commented on the study’s findings:
“We’ve been suspicious for quite a while that certain food supplements such as sweeteners and processed food increase the risk of getting cancer, but we’ve never really known the mechanism. This is one of the few studies that provides a possible mechanism for fructose, which is found in corn syrup, processed food, and sweeteners, a mechanism that may cause a variety of different cancers. So there may be some truth to the fact that people need to be very cautious about using sweeteners or using sugars that are not from fruits and vegetables, but are in processed foods.”
– Anton Bilchik, MD, PhD
Bilchik emphasizes the importance of further clinical studies to confirm the link between fructose consumption and cancer risk in humans.
Reducing Fructose Intake
Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, suggests focusing on whole, unprocessed foods to minimize fructose intake:
“Say yes to fructose in fruit and ‘no, thank you’ to the fructose [in] the fruit roll-up. Keep in mind, there is no reason to be obsessive and never include these items — hello holidays, Halloween, and favorite treats. But knowing how much, how often, and making sure that real food is not replaced in lieu of these things is the most important for our daily dietary patterns and enjoyment of life,” Richard advised.
– Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN
She highlights the importance of consuming fructose alongside fiber, vitamins, and minerals found naturally in fruits and vegetables, which can mitigate potential negative effects.
While more research is needed, understanding the potential link between fructose and cancer risk empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices. Consider reducing your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks, and prioritize whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.