“acute” fructose makes fat
July 26, 2008
A recent study from the Journal of Nutrition helps to explain some of the fuss about fructose (as opposed to glucose). If you eat a lot of it all at once, it gets converted to fat. The lead author, Elizabeth Parks, explained to the New York Times what this has to do with obesity: “I think it [fructose] may be a contributor, but its not the only problem. Americans are eating too many calories for their activity level. We’re overeating fat, we’re overeating protein and we’re overeating all sugars.”
But, Americans are also consuming crazy amounts of HFCS. It’s so addictive, the containers it comes in keeps increasing (unlike non-HFCS products).
Comment by Jack at F&B — July 26, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
That is an interesting point, that the containers containing HFCS keep enlarging. Makes it easier to buy extra-large portions. But, the containers of “real” food are shrinking, I guess as a way to increase the price without it being so obvious to the consumer. All the packages of fruit and vegetables are lighter in weight for higher prices. And, the containers of the premium brand dog food I feed my dog? Well, they are shrinking also, as well as prices increasing.
Comment by Sheila — July 26, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
I wonder if it unfolds the same way following an hour or so of strenuous exercise. Where muscle cells are primed for nutrient uptake(possibly leading to less synthesis of fatty acids)
Comment by rj — July 27, 2008 @ 10:58 pm
this acute effect is interesting, but isn’t it true that hfcs has been shown to not have any special ability to make people fat compared to sucrose (the only real industrial alternative)….. i don’t see how this info helps the average consumer unless it is somehow more effective at getting people to eat less sugar of all kinds.
Comment by darya — July 28, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
iirc, fructose doesn’t have the same effect as glucose in terms of producing an insulin spike for cells to take up circulating glucose. Depending on the state of your body(whether you have been working out strenuously or not: e.g., strength training) will depend on whether your fat cells or muscle cells are primed to take up the circulating glucose(body builders want the latter). And while fruit is not only composed of glucose but also fructose, it leads some bodybuilders to avoid it entirely.
But average consumers are not bodybuilders. For the average consumer, I’m sure they don’t care — even if they were aware of this study(an unfortunate state of affairs). I can’t speak for countries beyond the US, but I’m sure most Americans will happily continue to devour as much glucose or fructose in one sitting as humanly possible with or without the knowledge of what it does to their bodies.
Comment by rj — July 28, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
Fat, protein & calories have nothing to do with creating body fat. Refined carbs do. I can take any fat person, feed them 4000 calories and 400g of fat and they will burn fat like crazy IF they avoid refined carbs and starches. I did not believe it either 13 years ago but I do now.
Comment by ms — August 15, 2008 @ 10:35 pm