Cancerous tumors of the intestine feed on sugary drinks according to a study

Cancerous tumors of the intestine feed on sugary drinks according to a study

According to a new study, the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup found in some sugary drinks is likely to swell cancerous tumors in the intestine. Led by researchers at Weill Medical College in New York, this experiment currently only involving laboratory rats would pave the way for new implications for the consumption of this sweetener and the development of the disease. Our colleagues from Dailymail and CNBC relay the results

For many diseases, food is sometimes called into question because of the harmful effects it can cause on the body. Indeed, some foods consumed daily are full of components dangerous to health. In the case of a disease as heavy as cancer, it is important to pay attention to our eating habits because these are sometimes triggers of our ills.

Beyond the carcinogenic food warnings that many people use daily without realizing the risks, it is essential to keep abreast of new scientists because of their potential health implications. Although information varies and opinions often differ as to the actual impact of certain foods, these scientists hypothesize that high fructose corn syrup (also called glucose-fructose syrup), which found in some sugary drinks, could result in the rapid growth of cancerous tumors.


What does the study say?
Published in the journal Science, this study in rats shows that high fructose corn syrup would lead to a rapid growth of cancerous tumors in them. To carry out this experiment, scientists selected rodents genetically predisposed to develop colon tumors and separated them into two groups. The former was administered a small dose of sweetener (the equivalent of a soda in humans) for 8 to 9 weeks, while the second group did not consume any sugar. At the end of the observation period, researchers discovered that the first group fed glucose-fructose syrup would have developed much larger tumors, thus creating an important foundation for future research in humans. On the other hand, Dr. Marcus Goncalves would like to point out that these results in no way indicate that this ingredient triggers cancer; it only increases the growth rate of already existing tumors.




Michael Skilton of Sidney University is impressed by the findings of this research, but is skeptical about the application of such a theory in humans. However, it recommends a more moderate consumption of products that contain high fructose corn syrup.

Other dangers of high fructose corn syrup
Although the study has only been conducted in the laboratory on rodents, there are many concerns about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup.

According to Anne-Françoise Burnol, a biologist and research director at the CNRS, the consumption of refined sugar rose from 2 to 35kg per person in France during the 20th century.

Suspected of being at the origin of many pathologies including type 2 diabetes and obesity, fructose-glucose syrup would have a devastating effect on the liver. As this researcher explains, the effects of this ingredient would be very different from unprocessed sugar because its digestion would only be metabolized by the liver and therefore not regulated by insulin. Therefore, its consumption would increase the cholesterol present in the blood and lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver.




Maintain a healthy diet
In the face of overconsumption of dubious and harmful products, maintaining a healthy diet is essential in the prevention of many diseases. Beyond studies that constantly raise awareness about the risks associated with certain foods, it is important to follow certain habits every day to preserve your health.


According to Cornell University, numerous studies have shown a positive impact between the reduction of red meat in the diet, the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and the reduction of cancer risks. Indeed, a healthy diet based on natural ingredients can reduce the risks associated with additives whose true impact we do not yet know.