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Selected Works of John Gieng, PhD
Article
Human-relevant levels of added sugar consumption increase female mortality and lower male fitness in mice
Nature Communications (2013)
  • James S. Ruff, University of Utah
  • Amanda K. Suchy, University of Utah
  • Sara A. Hugentobler, University of Utah
  • Mirtha M Sosa, University of Utah
  • Bradley L. Schwartz, University of Utah
  • Linda C. Morrison, University of Utah
  • Sin H. Gieng, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute
  • Mark K. Shigenaga, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute
  • Wayne K. Potts, University of Utah
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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.
Disciplines
Publication Date
August, 2013
DOI
10.1038/ncomms3245
Publisher Statement
This article was originally published in Nature Communications, volume 4, issue 2245, 2013. © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited.

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Citation Information
James S. Ruff, Amanda K. Suchy, Sara A. Hugentobler, Mirtha M Sosa, et al.. "Human-relevant levels of added sugar consumption increase female mortality and lower male fitness in mice" Nature Communications Vol. 4 Iss. 2245 (2013) ISSN: 2041-1723
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/john-gieng/4/
Creative Commons license
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY International License.