After comparing the effects of five different sweeteners on the health of rats, University of Washington scientists discovered consumption of fructose-based products may trigger biological changes that can lead to the development of syndrome x, the cluster of symptoms that increase a patient's risks of diabetes, stroke and heart disease better known as metabolic syndrome.

Rats were given plain water or water sweetened with either high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), Stevia, fructose, agave syrup (90 percent fructose) or a Hoodia-HFCS mix, three nights a week for 10 weeks.

Although the body weights of these animals didn't increase over the test period, levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase jumped significantly among rats fed HFCS and fructose, a sign of possible liver disease or damage.

Even though cholesterol levels remained within normal levels, they were higher among rats consuming HFCS and fructose. Significantly higher triglyceride levels were measured in rats who drank water laced with either HFCS, HFCS with Hoodia and agave.

Physiology & Behavior, Vol. 98, No. 7, pp. 618-624, December 7, 2009

FoodNavigator.com November 9, 2009