Fructose intake and cardiovascular risk factors in youth with type 1 diabetes: SEARCH for diabetes in youth study

AimsHigh consumption of dietary fructose has been shown to contribute to dyslipidemia and elevated blood pressure in adults, but there are few data in youth, particularly those at greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to examine the association between fructose intake and CVD risk factors in a diverse population of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D).MethodsThis was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study, including 2085 youth ages 10–22 years with T1D, of which 22% were racial/ethnic minority and 50% were female. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess intake.ResultsMedian daily fructose consumption was 7.9% of total calories. Fructose intake was positively associated with triglycerides (p < .01), but not with total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, or blood pressure after adjustment for physical activity and socio-demographic, clinical, and dietary covariates. An increase in fructose intake of 22 g (equivalent to a 12 oz can of soda) was associated with 23% higher odds of borderline/high versus low triglycerides (p < .005).ConclusionThese data suggest that children with T1D should moderate their intake of fructose, particularly those with borderline or high triglycerides.