In a study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus linked the intake of excess fructose to increased risk of developing behavioural disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and aggression.
Fructose is a natural sugar procured from honey, fruits, fruit juices and vegetables. High fructose corn syrup, an artificial sweetener, is found in a lot of processed foods including canned fruits, candies and soft drinks.
According to previous studies, fructose intake has been associated with increased risks of obesity and metabolic syndrome because of the onset of a foraging response in our body (similar to fasting or starvation)
During times of starvation and food shortage, our body tends to use up sugars first to conserve proteins and maintain overall health.
Unlike Glucose, Fructose has a different metabolic pathway than glucose. This pathway depletes energy rather than producing it and leads to the production of uric acid and storage of more fats in the liver as noticed in some studies. This uric acid might be the cause of metabolic disturbance. Reducing uric acid levels has been shown to reduce the early symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
According to the recent study, the authors are convinced that taking lots of fructose can cause risk-tasking, impulsivity, craving and also amounts to increasing the risk of ADHD and bipolar disorder and even depression, on long term consumption.
However, the study authors mentioned that this link does not negate the other risk factors for mental health such as emotional, familial, environmental and genetic.
Reducing Fructose Intake
Some ways to reduce your fructose intake:
· Reducing consumption of processed foods like canned fruits and vegetables and bottled juices.
· Cut down your soft drink intake.
· Keeping a check of the ingredients list while buying packaged foods. Avoid those with too much-added sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
There is no need to cut fruits and vegetables from your diet for this since they contain many nutrients and not just fructose. That being said,moderation is recommended. Experts suggest that you have about five servings (80g each) of fruits and vegetables every day.
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