High Fructose Diet May Contribute to High Blood Pressure

People who eat a diet high in fructose, in the form of added sugar, are at increased risk of developing hypertension, according to a study appearing in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology. The results suggest that cutting back on foods and beverages containing a lot of fructose may decrease one’s risk of developing hypertension.

To examine whether increased fructose consumption has contributed to rising rates of hypertension, Diana Jalal, MD, of the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, and colleagues analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003-2006). The study involved 4,528 U.S. adults aged 18 or older with no prior history of hypertension. Study participants answered questions related to their consumption of foods and beverages such as fruit juices, soft drinks, bakery products, and candy. Jalal’s team found that people who consumed a diet of 74 g or more per day of fructose (corresponding to 2.5 sugary soft drinks per day) had a 26%, 30%, and 77% higher risk for blood pressure levels of 135/85, 140/90, and 160/100 mmHg, respectively.

“Our study identifies a potentially modifiable risk factor for high blood pressure. However, well-planned prospective randomized clinical studies need to be completed to see if low fructose diets will prevent the development of hypertension and its complications,” says Jalal.

Source: American Society of Nephrology