Fructose

Fructose (fructus meaning “fruit” and ose denoting “sugar”) is one of the monosaccharides found naturally in fruit, vegetables, honey, agave, and sugar beet and sugarcane (Table 1). It also enters the diet as a part of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and fruit juice concentrates used as sweeteners. While fructose has had long-term use in the diet, its entry into the diet as HFCS is relatively new and has sparked investigation into its health effects. Both epidemiological and intervention studies with very high intakes of fructose indicate a possible association with risk of chronic diseases. This entry looks at fructose in the diet and current levels of intake, compare its metabolism with other common sugars, and address potential concerns about current levels of use.