Fructose and Mineral Metabolism

Fructose affects to some extent the bioavailability of iron, zinc, and copper. Its effect on copper has been studied most intensively. Fructose forms stable complexes with iron and promotes its absorption and also that of zinc. Compared with starch, fructose and sucrose decrease copper bioavailability in rats fed diets based on egg white and containing 60% carbohydrate. There is no apparent fructose effect on copper bioavailability in pigs. In humans fructose consumed as 20% of energy has no effect on copper balance and minimal effects on the criteria of copper status.