Recent study has shown that high intake of fructose can increase chances of developing hypertension. Fructose is a common sweetener that is found in a wide range of food and drink products like fruit juices, soft drinks, bakery products, and candy.
For the study, research team led by Dr Diana Jalal, from University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center studied data collected from 4,528 Americans 18 years of age or older. The study subjects had no history of hypertension.
The fructose intake of study subjects was calculated by questioning them about their food and drink intake. Then their blood pressure was checked.
Data analysis indicated that study subjects who consumed 74 grams of fructose or drank 2.5 sugary soft drinks per day had higher risk of developing hypertension. It was found that consumption of 74 grams per day of fructose led to a 28%, 36%, and 87% higher risk for blood pressure levels of 135/85, 140/90, and 160/100 mmHg.
Dr Diana Jalal said: "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 US adult population with no previous history of hypertension."
