Fructose Boosts immunity, But May Trigger Excessive Inflammation
Scientists at the University of Vienna have discovered that fructose, the sugar found in soft drinks and sweets, increases immune system activity. While this might sound beneficial, it can also lead to an overactive inflammatory response.
Fructose is naturally present in fruit, but is heavily consumed through sugary drinks, energy drinks, and sweets. A single liter of regular soda contains roughly 90 grams of sugar, half of which is fructose – a importent amount.
How Fructose Impacts Your Body
Your blood contains immune cells that are the first line of defense against bacteria. These cells have receptors on their surface that detect bacteria and trigger an immune response.
Researchers found that fructose causes immune cells to increase the production of these receptors. This effect isn’t seen with glucose,the other sugar component of table sugar.
As a result, when immune cells are exposed to fructose then encounter bacteria, they release three to six times more inflammatory substances compared to cells not exposed to fructose.
The Double-Edged Sword of Inflammation
A robust immune response is generally positive, but inflammation is a double-edged sword. Chronic inflammation can be harmful. Individuals with conditions like type 2 diabetes experience more frequent and severe infections, and have a higher mortality rate from them. A constantly activated immune system can ultimately damage healthy tissues.
Confirmed in Human Trials
These findings weren’t limited to lab studies. Researchers tested their results on healthy volunteers who drank a liter of a high-fructose beverage. Two hours later, their immune cells showed a significantly stronger reaction to bacterial substances then after consuming a drink with a different carbohydrate.
The team also pinpointed how fructose causes this effect. The way the body metabolizes fructose activates specific proteins that heighten the sensitivity of immune cells. Blocking this process largely reversed the effect.
Significant Considerations
It’s crucial to note that this study focused on the short-term effects of fructose in healthy young adults. Further research is needed to determine if similar effects occur with long-term fructose consumption, or in individuals already battling illness.
