This food to ban feeds cancer 🍽️

Excessive fructose consumption is becoming an increasingly concerning phenomenon, not only because of its direct effects on metabolic health but also due to its impact on the growth of certain cancers. This sugar, often found in ultra-processed foods, has become an unsuspected player in tumor progression. A recent study sheds light on this alarming connection and also reveals innovative therapeutic avenues.


The main discovery by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, published in Nature, shows that it is not directly fructose that nourishes tumors, but rather the liver, which converts it into specific lipids. These lipids, specifically lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), are used by cancer cells to grow. This process, observed in several types of cancer, raises new questions about the therapeutic approaches to adopt.

Animal models allowed scientists to measure the effect of fructose on tumor growth. A diet high in this sugar doubled, and sometimes even tripled, the growth rate of certain cancers, such as melanoma, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. However, this acceleration is not accompanied by any changes in body weight, blood sugar levels, or insulin, suggesting that fructose's effects are not directly linked to these factors.

Upon further research, scientists found that cancer cells, which cannot directly use fructose, depend on nutrients produced by the liver to multiply. By metabolizing fructose, the liver generates LPCs, essential components for building cancer cell membranes. These lipids are then transported throughout the body and absorbed by tumors.

The discovery of this mechanism has major therapeutic implications. Instead of targeting cancer cells directly, researchers suggest intervening in the metabolism of healthy liver cells. This type of treatment could block the effect of fructose on tumors without requiring radical dietary changes. An innovative approach, already successfully tested on mice, could lead to more effective clinical treatments.

This research also raises questions about the omnipresence of fructose in modern diets. Its consumption has exploded in recent decades, especially due to its significant presence in corn syrup, commonly used in processed foods. The amount of fructose consumed by individuals has increased dramatically, from a few kilograms (several pounds) per year to over 50 kg (110 lbs) in some countries, such as the United States.

In light of these findings, researchers emphasize the importance of limiting fructose consumption, particularly for individuals already affected by cancer. However, reducing intake remains challenging given the ubiquitous presence of fructose in many food products. This requires increased vigilance during purchases to avoid added sugar in often unsuspected products, such as sauces or condiments.

Researchers hope that this new understanding of fructose's role in tumor growth will pave the way for more targeted and potentially more effective treatments. If these findings are confirmed through future clinical studies, they could provide a new avenue for treatment in the fight against cancer.