Researchers Link Aggressive Behavior, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder with High Fructose Intake

Feb, 2021 - By SMI

According to a new study initiated by the researchers of University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have reported that high sugar intake (fructose) may drive risk of behavioral disorders such as aggressive behavior, attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD), and bipolar disorder, among others. In the study, researchers have highlighted the role for fructose, an element of sugar and high fructose corn syrup, and uric acid in fueling the risk for these behavioral disorders.

Moreover, researchers also reported that fructose intake lessens the energy in cells and activates a scavenging response, which is similar to response during starvation. Furthermore this foraging response fuels impulsivity risk taking, rapid decision making, novelty seeking, and aggressiveness for acquiring food as a survival response. They also informed that over activation of this process from excess fructose consumption may result in impulsive behavior including bipolar disorder, ADHD, or even aggression.

Richard Johnson, lead author from University of Colorado School of Medicine on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus stated, “While the fructose pathway was meant to aid survival, fructose intake has skyrocketed during the last century and may be in overdrive due to the high amounts of sugar that are in the current Western diet. We do not blame aggressive behavior on sugar, but rather note that it may be one contributor.”

In addition, researchers also suggested that high intake of fructose, which is found in refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup might play a causative role in the pathogenesis of behavioral disorders, which are linked with Western diet and obesity. Researchers concluded that further studies is necessary to explore the role of uric acid and sugar especially with new inhibitors of fructose metabolism.