| Fructose is a monosaccharide, also known as fruit sugar, which is
metabolized differently from other sugars; as soon as fructose enters
the cells, it is quickly metabolized to fructose-1-phosphate which
may partially deplete intracellular ATP and inorganic phosphate; decreased
cellular ATP causes disturbances in protein, RNA and DNA synthesis,
interferences with cyclic AMP formation, and reduced ammonia detoxification;
unlike glucose, fructose does not require insulin to enter cells and
it has only a minimal effect on the stimulation of insulin secretion;
elevations of lactate, uric acid and triglycerides may result with
implications for cardiovascular disease and gout.
Since
fructose intolerance is a cellular event rather than a single micronutrient
deficiency, symptoms may vary considerably. Clinical symptoms of
fructose intolerance include behavioral changes, depressed immune
function, dizziness, fatigue, headache and weakness. Certain individuals
with an intolerance to fructose may also show an elevation of uric
acid, hypertriglyceridemia, and interference with copper metabolism.
Dietary
sources of fructose are numerous; however, an excess intake of fructose
should be avoided rather than absolute removal of dietary fructose.
In this manner, whole foods containing fructose (fruits and some
vegetables) may be consumed since they contain other important micronutrients
and enzymes that are not found in other foodstuffs. It should be
emphasized that these recommendations are relevant only to individuals
with an intolerance to fructose, and individuals who are unable
to adequately metabolize excess amounts of fructose.
Individuals
exhibiting an intolerance to fructose should avoid concentrated
sources of fructose as much as possible. This includes foods sweetened
with high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate, honey and
table sugar; and reducing the ingestion of sweet foods including
cake, candy, cookie, fruit drink and ice cream, to name a few. Carefully
read food labels for the words: corn sweetener, corn syrup, high-fructose
corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, levulose, invert sugar, and sugar.
Since sorbitol is converted by the cells to fructose, its ingestion
should also be reduced.
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hCG
