Effects of various levels of dietary fructose on blood lipids of rats

Research has demonstrated that diets high in fructose ( greater than or equal to17% of energy) are potentially hyperlipidemic; however, few studies have addressed the hyperlipidemic potential of fructose when fed to healthy subjects at levels similar to those in the typical American diet (approximately 10% of energy). A total of 40 weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed various levels of fructose (0%, 10%, 20%, and 45% of energy) for 28 days. Serum lipid profiles were analyzed after a 12-hour fast at the end of the study. Serum total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol were highest (P < 0.05) in the 20% and 45% fructose groups. Serum HDL cholesterol was higher (P < 0.05) for all fructose-fed groups and was highest in the 10% group. According to this animal model, the adverse effects on blood lipids detected in the rats fed 20% fructose or more (levels commonly consumed in the human diet) suggests a potential increased risk for atherosclerosis. However, less concern is warranted for an average diet containing 10% of energy from fructose. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.