Fructose linked to metabolic risk factors in children

Children who consume high levels of fructose in their diet may be more likely to require a prescription to buy Actos later in life, as a new study has linked consumption of the sweetener in childhood to metabolic risk factors.

Researchers from the Georgia Health Sciences University showed that young people between the ages of 14 and 18 who ate the most fructose were more likely to have high blood pressure and fasting glucose levels and to be insulin resistant.

High-fructose corn syrup, which is added to many processed foods, may be particularly dangerous, because the body appears to metabolize it differently than other sugars, the researchers said.

The team said their findings underscore the importance of eating a healthy diet in childhood. Given the fact that a person's eating habits are often established early on, poor choices in childhood may lead to major consequences later in life.

"It is so very important to provide a healthy balance of high-quality food to our children and to really pay close attention to the fructose and sucrose they are consuming at their home or anyone else's," said Dr. Vanessa Bundy, who led the study.