Effects of fructose consumption on food intake and biochemical and body parameters in Wistar rats.

Introdution And Objective: Increased fructose consumption is associated with various metabolic changes that favor the onset of obesity and related comorbidities. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of chronic fructose consumption on body weight and adipose tissue, as well as on serum glucose and triglyceride levels.

Methods: Thirty-day-old Wistar rats were divided into two groups: fructose (F) and control (C), which had free access to commercial chow and either water or a 20% fructose solution. Body mass was measured weekly and food consumption at 30, 60 and 90 days. At 90 days, the animals were killed by decapitation and fat deposits (mesenteric, epididymal and retroperitoneal) were removed and blood collected for measurement of glucose and triglyceride levels.

Results: There was no significant difference in body weight gain, but the percentage of body fat was higher in group F. This group also consumed less feed at 60 and 90 days and had higher consumption of fructose solution than water in group C at 30 and 60 days. This meant higher calorie intake in group F and lower feed efficiency. Retroperitoneal and epididymal fat deposits and triglycerides were higher in group F than in group C.

Conclusion: Consumption of fructose solution for eight weeks, while not directly reflected in body weight gain, did increase abdominal fat in group F compared to group C, as well as changing triglyceride levels. These two factors increase risk of cardiovascular disease.