Study Shows A High-Fructose Diet During Pregnancy May Lead To Fetal Metabolic Disorders

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology studied the effects of high fructose intake during pregnancy on cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction. The results support the scientists' hypothesis that exposure to a high-fructose diet during 'critical fetal development' leads to programming for cardiometabolic dysfunction later in life, reports Beverage Daily.

The scientists used pregnant mice for their experiments, giving one group a 10 percent fructose solution and a control group water to drink. These served as the only source of fluid from the beginning of pregnancy to delivery for each group.

They found that maternal weight, offspring number, and average birth weight were similar between both groups. Offspring from the fructose group had higher peak glucose levels and average arterial pressure. Female offspring from the fructose group were heavier and had a higher percentage of visceral adipose tissue, liver fat, and insulin levels. It was found that the fetal programming as a result of fructose consumption was more pronounced in female offspring.

These results highlight the dangers of fructose, which is prevalent in many food items and beverages for its sweet taste and cheap cost.

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