High fructose consumption induces cardiac dysfunction and vascular abnormalities

Fructose, is a simple sugar or monosaccharide, which is abundant in nature and commonly used in food industry as a strong natural sweetener. The growing epidemic of high fructose consumption has been linked to increased prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Increasing evidence indicates that high dietary fructose can exert direct effects on the heart as well as the vasculature. Several underlying mechanisms involving metabolic disturbances, oxidative stress and inflammation have been demonstrated to induce cardiac dysfunction and vascular abnormalities. Accordingly, the intent of this review is to discuss the metabolic consequences of increased fructose consumption and to provide an overview of the mechanisms associated with fructose-enriched diet-induced cardiovascular abnormalities. A description of some novel interventions that attenuate both cardiac and vascular dysfunction subsequent to fructose over consumption is also provided. The high intakes of fructose present a public health hazard, and thus there is a pressing need to increase public awareness on the harmful health effects, including cardiovascular health, of high intake of foods and beverages enriched with fructose. Furthermore, the supplementation of processed foods and beverages with fructose additives needs regulation.