Dietary Fructose and Hypertension

Abstract

The association between fructose and increased blood pressure is still incompletely defined, because experimental studies have produced dissimilar conclusions. Amplified vasopressor responses to minimal stimuli and differing responses to fructose in peripheral versus central sites may explain the controversy. Fructose induces systemic hypertension through several mechanisms mainly associated with deleterious effects on target organs (kidney, endothelium, heart) exerted by the byproducts of its metabolism, such as uric acid. The kidney is particularly sensitive to the effects of fructose because high loads of this sugar reach renal tissue. In addition, fructose increases reabsorption of salt and water in the small intestine and kidney; thus the combination of salt and fructose has a synergistic effect in the development of hypertension. Clinical and epidemiologic studies have also linked fructose consumption with hypertension. Further studies are warranted in order to understand the role of fructose in the development of hypertension.

Added sugars: Definitions, classifications, metabolism and health implications

“…Fructose apparently plays different roles towards increasing blood pressure, according to a review study [55]. First, fructose increases uric acid production in the body.…”

Fructose Likely Does Have a Role in Hypertension

“…Fructose intake from added sugars, as well as added sugars themselves, are epidemiologically associated with elevated BP. 4,5 Fructose raises BP acutely in humans, which is not seen with glucose. 2 The mechanism relates in part to the ability of fructose to raise intracellular and serum uric acid.…”

“…2 The mechanism relates in part to the ability of fructose to raise intracellular and serum uric acid. 5 Over time, fructose also increases de novo uric acid synthesis, which likely accounts for why large doses of fructose eventually raise fasting uric acid levels and fasting BPs. 5 Allopurinol treatment blocks fructose-increased BP in humans.…”

“…5 Over time, fructose also increases de novo uric acid synthesis, which likely accounts for why large doses of fructose eventually raise fasting uric acid levels and fasting BPs. 5 Allopurinol treatment blocks fructose-increased BP in humans. 6 Epidemiological studies also show that reducing sugar intake reduces BP.…”

“…7 Finally, the administration of fructose to animals results in changes in the renal microvasculature that are predicted to result in salt-sensitive hypertension and that are likely to potentiate and maintain salt-sensitive hypertension. 5 Further studies are needed, but it is important to recognize that "evidenced-based medicine" that is not based on physiology can lead to serious misinterpretations.…”