Effect of sucrose on inflammatory markers in overweight humans

Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Aug;82(2):421-7. doi: 10.1093/ajcn.82.2.421.

Abstract

Background: Observational studies have found that dietary glycemic load is positively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in healthy humans, which suggests that the type of carbohydrate ingested influences inflammatory activity.

Objective: We investigated the effect of a diet with a high content of sucrose or artificial sweeteners on the inflammatory markers CRP, haptoglobin, and transferrin in overweight subjects.

Design: Overweight men and women consumed daily food and drink supplements containing either sucrose [n = 21; body mass index (BMI, in kg/m2): 28.0] or artificial sweeteners (n = 20; BMI: 27.6), predominantly from soft drinks (70%; average approximately 1.3 L/d) for 10 wk.

Results: During the intervention, sucrose intake increased by 151% in the sucrose group and decreased by 42% in the sweetener group, resulting in a 1.6-kg weight gain in the sucrose group and a 1.2-kg weight loss in the sweetener group over 10 wk (P < 0.001). Concentrations of haptoglobin, transferrin, and CRP increased by 13%, 5%, and 6%, respectively, in the sucrose group and decreased by 16%, 2%, and 26%, respectively, in the sweetener group (between-group differences: P = 0.006, P = 0.01, and P = 0.1, respectively). Adjustment for changes in body weight and energy intake did not substantially influence this outcome.

Conclusions: The study shows that in the present group of overweight subjects a high consumption of sugar-sweetened foods and drinks increased haptoglobin and transferrin but had, at best, only a limited influence on CRP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Weight
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Eating
  • Female
  • Haptoglobins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / blood*
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / blood*
  • Sucrose / administration & dosage*
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Dietary Proteins
  • Haptoglobins
  • Triglycerides
  • Sucrose
  • C-Reactive Protein