Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away?
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This concept will come under the microscope as Hunter researchers begin a new clinical trial into the cardiometabolic health impacts of fructose.
Hunter Medical Research Institute researcher Professor Manohar Garg believes fruit sugar has minimal impact in its natural, complex form but not the fructose found in sweeteners such as corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, table sugar , soft drinks and fruit juices.
“Whenever you mention fructose there is controversy,” Professor Garg said. “Not all fruits are rich in fructose, of course, and they contain many other nutrients that are important; what we’re talking about is fructose consumed in isolation.”
As part of his four-week randomised trial, Professor Garg will give volunteers a daily serve of either 50 grams of fructose or glucose.
The research team is aiming to recruit 40 people for the study – aged 18-60 – in a normal weight range and with no symptoms of diabetes or cardiovascular problems.
Blood samples will be used to assess the level of lipids, satiety hormones, inflammatory biomarkers and insulin resistance.
“We are not expecting to see weight gain in the four week intervention, but we hope to distinguish between fructose and glucose and anticipate seeing elevated blood lipids levels with fructose,” Professor Garg said. “Obesity is such a problem that we must sort out whether we can have alternatives to sugars that will satisfy the cravings for sweet foods without the ill effects on our health.”
For more information about the trial contact Faizan Jameel at faizan.jameel@newcastle.edu.au or phone 49215638.