The potentially harmful effect of excessive fructose in our diet can start to be reversed in just nine days, according to a new study conducted by Touro University California and the University of California, San Francisco. The remarkable research also reveals that fructose - not overeating - is the key concern when it comes to health problems associated with a high-fructose diet.

"These preliminary findings demonstrate how rapidly we can turn things around in our bodies to live healthier and longer lives," said Shelley Berkley, CEO and Senior Provost of Touro Western Division. "We are extremely proud to be part of this game changing study that will inspire wiser choices." 

In the study, adult participants stayed in a research ward at San Francisco General Hospital where their diets were carefully monitored for 18 days. To prevent overfeeding, all meals were provided by researchers and weight was measured each day. Fructose calories were swapped out for the same number of calories in complex carbohydrates. Researchers were able to isolate fructose – not overeating – as the key factor.

"The preliminary findings of this study help educate the public on the effects of restricting fructose in your diet," said Dr. Jean-Marc Schwarz of Touro University California, lead investigator of the study. "In this case, overeating is not the culprit. Our research suggests that a high-fructose diet alone can contribute to health problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease."

The complete study, supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Diabetes Association, is published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, and there is more to come. Based on these results, the team was compelled to expand their research to explore the impact of fructose restriction on obese children, specifically of African American and Latino decent.

To learn more about Touro University, visit www.tu.edu.