Fructose increases hypertension risk

According to a study by researchers from Denver in 2009 (presented at the 42nd Congress of the American Society of Nephrology), fructose has a significant impact on blood pressure.

With an intake of 74 g of fructose per day (2.5 soft drinks), the risk of suffering from hypertension increases.

The team led by Dr. Jalal found that people who consumed more than 74 g of fructose per day had a significantly increased risk of hypertension. A diet of more than 74 g of fructose per day led to a 28 percent higher risk of a blood pressure of 135/85 mmHg, a 36 percent higher risk of a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, and an 87 percent higher risk of a blood pressure of 160/100 mmHg.

Sugar and fructose act completely differently in the body. The most important difference is that fructose does not trigger insulin production - hence, fructose was previously used to sweeten diet products for diabetics. However, many negative properties of fructose are now known. It does not suppress hunger as glucose does. Excessive consumption of fructose also fuels the harmful characteristics of metabolic syndrome. The development of overweight is favored, and blood lipid levels as well as uric acid can be adversely affected, which in turn makes the development of hypertension likely. Additionally, this also impacts the heart, as researchers found.

This particularly refers to added fructose in foods. Naturally occurring fructose in fruits and vegetables is considered uncritical.

This is also supported by a meta-analysis of several studies on the impact of fructose on blood pressure from 2023. The evaluation of various small studies also found an increase in blood pressure after the consumption of fructose-containing beverages. The researchers point out that the relationship should be examined more closely in further studies.

Those affected by hypertension (high blood pressure) should therefore particularly avoid added fructose. Especially soft drinks, but also many convenience products are often sweetened with fructose today.

Source:

By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (03/2024).
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Fructose increases hypertension risk

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