Here’s How Fructose Might Supercharge Inflammation

Sugar Crash: Looking for another reason to kick your Coke habit? New research has found consumption of a common type of added sugar — fructose — can increase risk of infection and trigger inflammation after just a few days.

The Study: In two separate randomized studies, researchers compared the immune responses of two groups of healthy adults who consumed either fructose- or glucose-sweetened drinks. After just 3.5 days, the fructose group had higher amounts of Toll-like receptor 2 in certain immune cells in their blood (monocytes). Toll-like receptor 2 regulates immune response. The higher concentration in monocytes caused an increased sensitivity to a bacterial toxin called lipoteichoic acid, triggering an overactive inflammatory response by immune cells. 

The Takeaway: This research found even short-term fructose consumption affected immune and inflammatory response, potentially resulting in more severe infections and chronic illnesses tied to inflammation. Fructose is naturally found in modest amounts in some fruits and vegetables. But if you’re consuming it in its processed form (like high-fructose corn syrup) in sugar-sweetened beverages or ultra-processed foods, you’re likely consuming too much of it. 

Keep In Mind: The studies were small, and more research is needed to determine how long this response to added fructose lasts.