Human-relevant levels of added sugar consumption increase female mortality and lower male fitness in mice

James S. Ruff (), Amanda K. Suchy, Sara A. Hugentobler, Mirtha M. Sosa, Bradley L. Schwartz, Linda C. Morrison, Sin H. Gieng, Mark K. Shigenaga and Wayne K. Potts
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James S. Ruff: University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East
Amanda K. Suchy: University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East
Sara A. Hugentobler: University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East
Mirtha M. Sosa: University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East
Bradley L. Schwartz: University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East
Linda C. Morrison: University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East
Sin H. Gieng: Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Mark K. Shigenaga: Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Wayne K. Potts: University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Consumption of added sugar has increased over recent decades and is correlated with numerous diseases. Rodent models have elucidated mechanisms of toxicity, but only at concentrations beyond typical human exposure. Here we show that comparatively low levels of added sugar consumption have substantial negative effects on mouse survival, competitive ability, and reproduction. Using Organismal Performance Assays—in which mice fed human-relevant concentrations of added sugar (25% kcal from a mixture of fructose and glucose, modeling high fructose corn syrup) and control mice compete in seminatural enclosures for territories, resources and mates—we demonstrate that fructose/glucose-fed females experience a twofold increase in mortality while fructose/glucose-fed males control 26% fewer territories and produce 25% less offspring. These findings represent the lowest level of sugar consumption shown to adversely affect mammalian health. Clinical defects of fructose/glucose-fed mice were decreased glucose clearance and increased fasting cholesterol. Our data highlight that physiological adversity can exist when clinical disruptions are minor, and suggest that Organismal Performance Assays represent a promising technique for unmasking negative effects of toxicants.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3245

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