Fructose consumption by American adults has increased by 30% over the past 20 years and has been tied to the rise in obesity, but its effect on blood pressure has been largely unknown.

From 2003-2006, over 4,500 adults who did not have a history of high blood pressure participated in a study which researched the possible link between fructose consumption and the development of high blood pressure. After examining participant’s diets, researchers determined that the median fructose intake for participants was 74 grams per day, which is the equivalent of about 2.5 sugary soft drinks. Fructose from fruit was not included, whereas fruit juices, regular soft drinks, bakery goods and candy were included in the calculation.

The data collected led researchers to conclude that fructose intake of more than 74 grams a day was tied to a 36% higher risk of blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, and this was after taking into account age, physical activity, calorie intake and salt intake.

Researchers hypothesize that possible mechanisms by which fructose could influence blood pressure include lowering nitric oxide production and/or raising uric acid in the blood.

Researchers wrote, “These results indicate that high fructose intake in the form of added sugars is significantly and independently associated with higher blood pressure levels in the U.S. adult population with no previous history of hypertension”.

For more information please visit:

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/10/30/fructose-may-raise-blood-pressure.html

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20091030/high-fructose-intake-may-raise-blood-pressure?page=2