Excessive fructose intake may induce adverse metabolic effects but the effect of usual amounts of fructose intake on metabolic syndrome (MetS) is unknown. This cross-sectional population based study was conducted to determine the association of fructose intake and prevalence of MetS and its components. Subjects included 2537 participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (45% men, aged 19-70 years). Dietary data were collected using a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary fructose intake was calculated by sum of natural fructose in fruits and vegetables and added fructose in commercial foods. Mean total dietary fructose intakes were 46.5+/-24.5 and 37.3+/-24.2 grams/day in men and women, respectively. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of fructose intakes, men and women in the highest quartile, respectively, had 33% (95% CI, 1.15-1.47) and 20% (95% CI, 1.09-1.27) higher risk of MetS; 39% (CI, 1.16-1.63) and 20% (CI, 1.07-1.27) higher risk of abdominal obesity; 11% (CI, 1.02-1.17) and 9% (CI, 1.02-1.14) higher risk of hypertension; and 9% (CI, 1-1.15) and 9% (1.04-1.12) higher risk of impaired fasting glucose. The authors concluded that higher consumption of dietary fructose may have adverse metabolic effects. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2011 Jul 12;8(1):50. PMID: 21749680.
