Fructose in Schools Study: A pilot study to assess the variability in fructose absorption in New Zealand school children

Abstract

Background: There is increasing concern that dietary fructose intake may play an important role in the current epidemics of fatty liver, diabetes and obesity that have risen in parallel with the increase in fructose consumption. However, the impact of fructose between individuals is likely to vary, as there is evidence that there is a wide variation in fructose absorption between individuals. Variation in fructose absorption has never been studied in a healthy population in New Zealand, and there is a particular dearth of data in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the variation in fructose absorption in a population of healthy New Zealand school children using a non-invasive test measuring breath hydrogen. Understanding the variability in how the body absorbs fructose is a key part of understanding the differences in pathophysiological consequences of fructose consumption. Another factor influencing the impact of fructose on health is that most people also have a very poor understanding of what fructose is and how it is metabolised. Therefore, this study also aims to improve health science literacy in this area. In doing this, the study also provides a unique opportunity to link directly to the New Zealand high school curriculum. The Nature of Science strand of the New Zealand curriculum is the overarching, unifying strand that underpins the other four strands (living world, material world, physical world and planet earth and beyond) and is primarily concerned with “learning about science”. There is a need for effective, interesting, culturally inclusive teaching units that have real world relevance to students and their communities. Taking this study to New Zealand schools offers an opportunity to connect teachers and learners with scientists and participate in a real science investigation.