Fructose Metabolism: An Outline

One well-known monosaccharide in the carbohydrate family that can be obtained naturally from fruits, vegetables, and honey is fructose. High-fructose corn syrup is an artificial source. Another name for them is appreciable fructose. Fructose is differently metabolised in the body than glucose. It is primarily processed in the liver. Glucose is used by cells for energy, while fructose is converted into glucose, lactate, and fat in the liver. Excessive consumption of appreciable fructose has been linked to negative health outcomes, such as insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and obesity. Despite being naturally occurring, it is important to consume fructose in moderation to maintain overall health and well-being.

Fructolysis is the term for fructose metabolism. Fructose breaks down and becomes energy throughout this process. It mostly occurs in the liver. In the intestine, GLUT5 receptors facilitate the absorption of fructose. Fructose is broken down through fructosamine. In mitochondria, it produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is used by cells as energy. Insulin is not needed for fructose transport. Fructose is only metabolised in a smaller number of tissues, including the kidney, liver, gut, adipose tissue, and muscle. Fructose skips the rate-limiting step of 1- or 6-phosphofructokinase, which is an important regulating factor in glycolysis. As a result, fructose is absorbed more quickly by the liver than glucose, resulting in changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. When pyruvate dehydrogenase is activated, pyruvate and lactate synthesis increase. Additionally, alters the balance from fatty acid oxidation to esterification of fatty acids. As a result, hepatic very low-density lipoprotein formation increased.

Additionally, the increased consumption of HFCS in processed foods and beverages has been linked to the rise in obesity rates and other related health concerns. To maintain a healthy diet, it is important to limit the intake of HFCS and opt for natural sources of fructose, such as fruits, in moderation. By being mindful of food labels and choosing whole, unprocessed foods, individuals can strike a balance and reduce the negative impacts of excessive fructose consumption.