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Fructose Affects the Immune System

Study says high fructose intake may harm the immune system.

Woman drinking sweet drink with fructose and wincing

Here’s another good reason why it’s smart to walk away from that can of soda: A diet that is high in fructose, which suggests it contains too many sugary processed foods and drinks, could keep the body’s immune system from functioning properly. And who isn’t concerned about immunity these days?

According to a report in Nature Communications, a team of British scientists found that exposure to high amounts of fructose intake may cause the immune system to be inflamed; this could prevent certain organs and body systems from functioning optimally, potentially leading to certain diseases.

See also: Fructose and Glucose Health Hazards


Matthew Kadey, MS, RD

Matthew Kadey, MS, RD, is a James Beard Award–winning food journalist, dietitian and author of the cookbook Rocket Fuel: Power-Packed Food for Sport + Adventure (VeloPress 2016). He has written for dozens of magazines, including Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Shape, Men’s Fitness and Muscle and Fitness.

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