Effect on Cardiovascular Function with and without Fructose and Sucralose in Healthy, White European Males

Objective: To assess whether flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) affected cardiovascular (CV) parameters after consuming fructose or sucralose. Data source: Finometer. Design of study: Randomized, cross-over, single-blind design. Setting: School of biomedical sciences, University of Nottingham, UK. Period: July, 2009. Materials and methods: Ten healthy, white European males were studied twice. A Finometer continuously recorded CV parameters. Following 30 min baseline, a BP cuff, around mid-point of right arm was inflated 50 mmHg above Systolic BP for 5 min. Upon deflation, FMD measurements were made. Volunteers then consumed 500 ml of fructose or sucralose containing drink. Forty min later, 2nd FMD was done. Results: Pre-fructose FMD: SBP increased in late-occlusion and post-occlusion period (POP). HR and CO decreased and SV and TPR increased during POP (P < 0.01 & 0.001). Post-fructose: DBP rose (2 mmHg; P = 0.04) during occlusion; HR (P = 0.02) and CO (P < 0.05) increased whereas TPR decreased (0.023; P < 0.04) in recovery period. Pre-sucralose: SBP, DBP and MAP increased in POP and thereafter. Decreased HR and CO and increased TPR and SV were noted (P < 0.01 & 0.001). Post-sucralose: SBP rose in POP and thereafter (5 mmHg; P < 0.01); MAP (3 mmHg; P = 0.04) and SV (P = 0.05) increased in POP. Conclusions: Attenuated BP and TPR, after fructose, indicate fructose’s possible vascular effects.