High fructose intake linked to hypertension

It is a well known fact that, sodium, in common salt can elevate the blood pressure. Now take this with a pinch of salt – the researchers claim that high sugar intake may play a role in the same. According to the researchers, the people who consume a high fructose diet, are likely to have an increased risk of hypertension. The study says drinking about 2.5 cans of soda or consuming an equivalent amount of fructose from other diet sources increases the risk of hypertension by about 30%.

The study, published by Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, included foods containing high-fructose corn syrup like soda, cookies and chocolates. “The data is very consistent with what has been in other papers,” – says Michael Chonchol, of University of Colorado.

The study was comprised of over 4500 adults of age 18 or more, who had no history of hypertension. Subjects who took 74g of fructose had a higher risk about 24% of BP 135/85+ hypertension, and about a shocking 77% increased risk of very high blood pressure – 160/100+.

However, the Corn Refiners Association and American Beverage Association, questioned the authenticity of the study, as they claimed that the researchers were simply overestimating the amount of fructose in the food items. “The study further confuses among high-fructose corn syrup and sweetened drinks” says Dr. Maureen Storey, of ABA. Chonchol, although, defended his trial.

Several studies recently, had emphasized on the same fact, that sugary drinks may significantly raise the blood pressure. States like CA and NY, have already imposed higher taxes on sweetened soft drinks to cover the cost of treating diseases associated with obesity.