
The Energy Balance Podcast EB. 137: What REALLY Causes Glycation (Is Sugar Really the Problem?)
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Oct 29, 2025 Discover why glucose and fructose are not the main culprits behind glycation. Explore how fats, amino acids, and ketones also contribute to advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Learn about dicarbonyls as key drivers of glycation, and how they can arise from low-carb diets. The conversation delves into the surprising speed at which polyunsaturated fats form AGEs compared to glucose. Also, find out whether fructose is really more glycating than glucose and why most concerns about it may be overstated.
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Glycation Is Not Just Sugar-Driven
- Glycation is the chemical modification of amino acids by sugars but also occurs from fats, ketones, and amino acids.
- Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) damage proteins and activate inflammatory RAGE pathways.
Glycation Progression Is Slow And Reversible
- The classic glucose→Schiff base→Amadori→AGE pathway is very slow: days to years for progression.
- Early/intermediate products are reversible and can be detoxified before they become permanent AGEs.
Dicarbonyls Drive Most AGE Formation
- Alpha-dicarbonyls (glyoxal, methylglyoxal, 3-deoxyglucosone) are highly reactive AGE precursors.
- These dicarbonyls can form from sugars, lipids, amino acids, and ketones — not just glucose.


