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What Is the Function of Fructose?

Fructose is a simple sugar. Table sugar, beet sugar and maple sugar are all forms of sucrose, which is fructose combined with glucose. All sugars and carbohydrates are used by the body for energy.

  1. Function

    • Simple sugars and carbohydrates are the easiest form of energy for the body, since they are broken down more rapidly than complex foods like proteins, fats and whole grains and vegetables. The body takes these simple sugars and converts them to glucose. Excess glucose is stored as glycogen, and excess glycogen is converted to fat for storage.

    Natural sources

    • Fructose occurs naturally in honey, most fruits and some vegetables. All are good sources of quick energy for cellular function.

    Processed sources

    • Fructose also comes from high fructose corn syrup, which, though derived from corn, is a processed sweetener. It does contain both glucose and fructose, so it is processed by the body in the same way that "natural" fructose is processed.

    Warnings

    • Most nutrients are processed by the body in multiple ways, but fructose is processed only in the liver, making it a quick source of energy directly to the muscles and brain. However, when the body receives too much fructose, its processing interferes with the breakdown and production of glucose, causing high blood sugar levels. Surplus amounts of glucose also result in excess glycogen and, therefore, higher body fat as well.

    Dietary Considerations

    • Some studies have indicated that the consumption of products with high fructose corn syrup can lead to diabetes and weight gain. Other studies state that high fructose corn syrup is no more a culprit than other sweeteners. Consuming too much sugar and too many refined carbohydrates, in any form, will achieve the same result--erratic blood sugar levels, low energy, and additional body fat.

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