Study Claims Pancreatic Cancer Cells Thrive on Fructose
A recent study has reportedly suggested that pancreatic cancer cells “can readily metabolize fructose”—but not glucose—“to increase proliferation.” Haibo Lu, et al., “Fructose Induces Transketolase Flux to Promote Pancreatic Cancer Growth,” Cancer Research, July 20, 2010. The abstract maintains that “fructose and glucose metabolism are quite different,” as fructose “induces thiamine-dependent transketolase flux and is preferentially metabolized via the nonoxidative pentose phosphate pathway to synthesize nucleic acids and increase uric acid production.” Thus fructose purportedly provides “an alternative substrate to induce pancreatic cancer cell proliferation.” These findings could have “major significance for cancer patients given dietary refined fructose consumption, and indicate that efforts to reduce refined fructose intake or inhibit fructose-mediated actions may disrupt cancer growth,” conclude the study authors.
Meanwhile, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) and others have publicly disputed the implications of these results. In an August 3, 2010, press release, CRA noted several inaccuracies in the study, which wrongly claimed that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is the most significant source of fructose in the diet. The association also cautioned consumers that the study “does not look at the way fructose is actually consumed by humans,” nor does it examine how the body metabolizes fructose or glucose in combination with other sugars and nutrients. As CRA pointed out, “Fructose is a natural, simple sugar also commonly found in fruits, vegetables, table sugar, maple syrup, and honey.”
In addition, New York University Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health Professor Marion Nestle weighed in with Salon.com, arguing that the study does not address “HFCS specifically.” According to Nestle, “HFCS is not particularly high in fructose compared to table sugar. Both are about 50% fructose and are about equal in their effects. So is honey. Agave has even more. Fructose-containing sugars are best consumed in small amounts but there’s nothing new in that advice.” See Salon.com, August 4, 2010.
