It might be time to cut it out.
New research suggests that fructose, a type of sugar, may act as “rocket fuel” for cancer cells, potentially aiding their growth. Reducing fructose intake could therefore be a strategy in the fight against cancer. Fructose is widespread in American diets due to the prevalence of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a sweetener commonly found in many processed foods, including pasta sauces, salad dressings, and even ketchup. Gary Patti, a genetics and medicine professor at Washington University in St. Louis, emphasized that avoiding HFCS can be challenging because it’s so pervasive.
Unlike glucose, which is processed throughout the body, fructose metabolism occurs exclusively in the small intestine and liver. Researchers initially assumed that cancer cells metabolize fructose in the same way as glucose, using its components to fuel growth. However, this assumption proved incorrect. Patti’s team found that tumor cells lack the biochemical pathways to efficiently use fructose directly. Instead, the liver converts fructose into lipid molecules called lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), which cancer cells thrive on, using them to promote rapid growth.
The study revealed that a high-fructose diet significantly accelerated tumor growth in lab animals, with some tumors growing at double their normal rate. This underscores the potential dangers of excessive fructose consumption for individuals with cancer. Patti noted that LPCs might be among the most efficient compounds for fueling tumor growth, highlighting a unique connection between fructose metabolism and cancer progression.
Historically, Americans consumed far less fructose, but the introduction of HFCS into processed foods over the past decades has coincided with an increase in certain cancers, particularly among younger people. While this study does not confirm that HFCS directly drives rising cancer rates, it raises questions warranting further research. Patti emphasized that for individuals diagnosed with cancer, limiting fructose intake could be beneficial, though avoiding it completely can be difficult given its ubiquity.
The findings suggest that dietary choices may influence cancer progression, offering a potential avenue for managing the disease. While more research is needed, the study highlights the complex interplay between diet, metabolism, and tumor growth. It serves as a reminder that what we consume can have profound effects on our health, both directly and indirectly.
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