Foods and drinks consisting of added sugars in large amounts is a major lifestyle concern! Added sugars are associated with a greater risk of cardiometabolic conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, heart disease) and liver disease. Fructose in the form of added sugar may have adverse effects on lipid metabolism in the liver and impair the production of a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which causes an increase in the free testosterone levels in the body.
A study conducted by Chen H, et al. recently published in the European Journal of Endocrinology reported that fructose intake from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with elevated androgen levels and a increases the risk of hyperandrogenism in women (see the Graphic for the study snapshot).
Source: Chen H, Buziau AM, Rentería ME, Simons PIHG, Brouwers MCGJ. Fructose intake from sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a greater risk of hyperandrogenism in women: UK Biobank cohort study. Eur J Endocrinol. 2024;190(1):104-12.