Abstract
PurposeTo examine the association between fructose intake in adolescence and fatty liver indices (hepatic steatosis index (HSI), fatty liver index (FLI)) in young adulthood.MethodsOverall, 246 participants of the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study who had a fasting blood sample in adulthood (18–36 years), at least two 3-day weighed dietary records for calculating fructose intakes and other fructose-containing sugars (total (TS), free (FS), added sugar (AS)) as well as two complete 24-h urine samples for calculating sugar excretion (fructose excretion (FE), fructose + sucrose excretion (FE + SE)) in adolescence (males: 9.5–16.5 years; females: 8.5–15.5 years) were analysed using multivariable linear regression analyses.ResultsOn the level of dietary intake, no prospective associations were observed between adolescent fructose intake and both adult fatty liver indices, whereas higher FS intakes were associated with lower levels of HSI (Ptrend = 0.02) and FLI (Ptrend = 0.03). On the urinary excretion level, however, a higher FE (Ptrend = 0.03) and FE + SE (Ptrend = 0.01) in adolescence were prospectively related to higher adult FLI values. No associations were observed between adolescent sugar excretion and adult HSI.ConclusionThe present study does not provide unambiguous support for a detrimental impact of adolescent fructose intake on adult liver health. Nonetheless, further examinations estimating exposure by means of urinary excretion as well as dietary intake levels appear warranted.
Highlights
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide [1] and ranges from simple non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis and cirrhosis [2]
A unique database was used to provide contradictory findings regarding the role of fructose intake in adolescence for adult liver health
While urinary FE as well as FE + SE in adolescence was positively associated with Fatty liver index (FLI) in adulthood, no associations were found between self-reported fructose intake in adolescence and both fatty liver indices in adulthood
Summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide [1] and ranges from simple non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholicsteatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis and cirrhosis [2]. NAFLD is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease [3]. Among modifiable factors contributing to NAFLD, excessive fructose consumption is regarded a main driver since it may induce de novo lipogenesis, impair fatty acid oxidation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
