Fructose sweetener, appetite and obesity

Use of fructose as artificial sweetener has been subject of media reports recently. Some have advised against using fructose because of potential for increased appetite and weight gain. However, multiple studies using fructose in humans have failed to support effect of fructose and the association may be weak at best.

Fructose and glycemic index: Dr. Bantle in a recent review article, “Is fructose the optimal low glycemic index sweetener?” suggests that , there is not yet any convincing evidence that dietary fructose does increase energy intake.

Fructose and food intake and satiety: Soenen and colleagues from Netherlands found no differences in satiety or energy intake after high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, or milk preloads.

Glucose fructose ratio and food intake, satiety: Similarly, Akhavan and Anderson from Canada studied the effects of glucose-to-fructose ratios in solutions on subjective satiety, food intake, and satiety hormones in young men. They found that sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and G50:F50 (50:50 solution of glucose and fructose) solutions do not differ significantly in their short-term effects on subjective and physiologic measures of satiety, uric acid and food intake at a subsequent meal.

Bottomline about fructose: As always, moderation is the key. Just because there is paucity of evidence to support deleterious effects of fructose, does not mean that you should load up on fructose in your diet. Naturally occurring fructose in your daily consumption of fruits and vegetables should not be a problem.

Do you use sugar or artificial sweeteners? Do you have any prefered kind? Please share your thoughts about fructose and artificial sweeteners.