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Sugar, not just salt, can leave blood pressure mounting
by Sophie Anderson - July 2, 2010 - comments
New research has found that ingestion of high quantum of fructose leads to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension.
High intake of salt in daily diet is known to impact blood pressure levels negatively. But now a team of U.S. researchers has found a sugary angle to blood pressure as well.
Munching on foods sweetened with fructose significantly raises a person's risk of having high blood pressure, researchers warn.
While the study doesn’t clearly convict fructose as the major contributor of mounting blood pressure levels, the study is the latest to link a sugar-loaded diet with higher blood pressure.
Details of the study
For the purpose of the study, researchers carried out an in-depth diet study of 4,528 American adults over 18 years of age. None of the participants had a history of high blood pressure or hypertension.
The participants’ eating habits especially fructose intake was monitored and correlated with blood pressure readings.
"This study, which looks at fructose intake, furthers the confusion and misunderstandings about high fructose corn syrup and sugar-sweetened beverages," spokesperson for ABA, Dr. Maureen Storey said.
The study categorized various degrees of blood pressure as pre-hypertension - reading of 135/85 mmHg, hypertension- reading of 140/90 mmHg and extreme hypertension -reading of 160/100 mmHg or higher.
Under normal circumstances, blood pressure values are 120/80 mmHg or less.
Findings of the study
On average, people who consumed 74 grams of fructose per day, roughly the amount found in two and a half soft drinks, had a 28 percent increased risk of blood pressure.
With more fructose consumption, the odds of having high blood pressure soared to as high as 77 percent, researchers found.
All factors having an impact on blood pressure levels, such as obesity, ailment, and salt or alcohol consumption were taken into account.
"Limiting fructose intake is readily feasible, and, in light of our results, prospective studies are needed to assess whether decreased intake of fructose from added sugars will reduce the incidence of hypertension and the burden of cardiovascular disease in the U.S. adult population," study’s lead author, Dr. Michel Chonchol of the University of Colorado Denver, marked.
Sugar-sweetened beverages
While fructose is present in most fruits, getting fructose from eating fruits is a lesser problem. As fruits are rich in other healthful substances like antioxidants and fiber, they act as blood pressure controllers automatically.
The problem lies in consuming too much sugar- laden foods.
In contrast to 4 to 10 grams of fructose per serving found in fruits, a can of sugar-sweetened beverage like coca-cola contains 39 grams of high-fructose corn syrup, researchers highlight.
Objections by American beverage makers
The American Beverage Association has objected to the whole issue. "This study, which looks at fructose intake, furthers the confusion and misunderstandings about high fructose corn syrup and sugar-sweetened beverages," spokesperson for ABA, Dr. Maureen Storey said.
Also, as the study fails to clearly establish a link between fructose consumption and high blood pressure levels, more randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of other kinds of sugars on blood pressure is called for.
The findings, featuring in the current issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, are based