[ad_1]
Health experts want us to limit sugary drinks for many reasons. One of them is that excess sugar feeds obesity, which is linked to an increased risk of many types of cancers.
But a new study on mice suggests that sugary drinks could increase the risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer, also called bowel cancer, regardless of obesity.
Posted in the journal ScienceThe study found that special-bred mice developed larger tumors when they consumed the murine equivalent of a soft drink can per day.
"While our work has been conducted on mice, our findings rely on growing evidence that sugar is fueling cancer growth," said the co-principal author of the study. study, Dr. Lewis Cantley, of Weill Cornell medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, in a report.
The mice were fed high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a common sweetener in the United States. When it is used in drinks, HFCS consists of about 55% of one type of sugar called fructose and 45% of another sugar called glucose. (Fructose and glucose are also badociated in equal proportions to form sucrose, better known as table sugar.)
RELATED:The different types of sugar and what you need to know about them
When the mice were genetically modified and predisposed to colorectal cancer, they developed tumors even when they consumed only water.
"We have not been able to demonstrate that the administration of high fructose syrup was at the origin of new tumors, as these mice develop tumors even with a normal diet without added sugars." , warned Dr. Marcus Goncalves, lead author of the study. "But when you give them that extra sugar, the tumors grow a lot."
He advised humans predisposed to polyps – abnormal growth of tissues that can turn into tumors – to avoid sugary drinks.
"If you have colorectal cancer, you could feed your tumor by drinking high-fructose corn syrup," he said.
The study reinforces the hypothesis that a diet, particularly a diet rich in added sugars, contributes to colorectal cancer. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with HFCS has increased dramatically in the United States since the 1980s and is correlated with rising rates of colorectal cancer in young and middle-aged adults (as well as an increase in obesity and metabolic syndrome).
After demonstrating that HFCS increased the size of mouse tumors, researchers began to determine why.
Molecular mechanisms are delicate (and detailed in more detail in this statement from Baylor College of Medicinewhose scientists contributed to the study). The researchers suspect this simply because the consumption of HFCS increases the levels of fructose and glucose in the intestine, which combine to accelerate tumor growth.
These findings could lead to therapies for colorectal cancer that target genes and enzymes to alter the way the body processes sugar. The researchers also hope to test the effectiveness of very low-carb diets that limit sugar – such as the ketogenic diet – when used with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
"It's the ability of the diet to enhance traditional therapy which, in my opinion, is the most promising," said Goncalves.
The researchers pointed out that it was a study on mice and that it was necessary to continue research to determine whether the effects were reproducing in humans (including diet and lifestyle are a priority). little more complicated than laboratory animals in cages).
Research has also looked at HFCS, which is not commonly used in Australia – cane sugar is a more common sweetener here. However, it can not be excluded that other chemical combinations of glucose and fructose may have similar results in cancer.
"We believe that consumption of drinks or foods processed with added sucrose will likely have the same effect as drinks containing high fructose corn syrup because sucrose has a similar fructose and glucose in high fructose corn syrup, "Cantley said.
The search may seem alarming or confusing, or both. But he does not deviate from existing dietary recommendations limit sugary drinks and added sugar – which will help keep weight under control and reduce the risk of cancer.
Associate Professor Michael Skilton, of the Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders at the University of Sydney, pointed out that HFCS and cane sugar are strongly related to obesity, which is itself strongly linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer.
"This means that, whether or not these sweeteners have a direct effect on tumor growth and development, people who want to reduce their risk of developing cancer should limit their consumption of sugary drinks and foods containing added sugar." said Skilton, who did not participate in the new study, in a comment.
"Replacing these products with whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes will help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of cancer."
READ NEXT:If you drink a lot of sweetened (and artificially sweetened) drinks, go to the water
Source link
