Fructose: A Dual Role in Cancer Growth and Cellular Damage

Fructose enters mitochondria, inhibiting ATP production and promoting oxidative stress, leading to a shift towards fermentation for energy. While fructose is linked to stimulating cancer cell growth, particularly in types like pancreatic and breast cancer, it is not conclusively shown to cause cancer. Cancer cells often develop mechanisms to utilize fructose as a growth fuel. Injured cells due to conditions like pneumonia or pancreatitis, which experience low oxygen and chronic damage, may enhance the risk of cancer development. Fructose could potentially be a catalyst that contributes to cellular damage, setting the stage for cancer. However, further scientific validation is necessary to establish a direct causative relationship between fructose and cancer initiation.