Sugary drinks have become part of everyday life, whether it’s soft drinks, packaged juices, energy boosters, or even certain “health” beverages. But a new study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, published in Nature Metabolism, has raised a serious red flag. Researchers found that the glucose-fructose mix found in these drinks directly fuels the spread of colorectal cancer. What makes this alarming is that these drinks are consumed not only by adults but also by children, often without much thought about their hidden dangers.
The hidden ingredient
Most sweetened beverages are made with a combination of glucose and fructose. While glucose and fructose individually have their own effects on metabolism, this study highlights that it is their combination that poses the most deadly risk. Researchers observed that when cancer cells were exposed to this mix, they became more mobile, spreading faster to the liver, a common site for colorectal cancer metastasis.This was not seen with glucose or fructose alone. The unique combination triggers a biological chain reaction inside the body that accelerates cancer growth.
How sugary drinks trigger cancer spread
The study found that the glucose-fructose mix activates an enzyme called sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD). This enzyme, in turn, boosts glucose metabolism and switches on the cholesterol-making pathway, which becomes a driving force for cancer cells to spread.The pathway activated is the same one that common heart drugs called statins are designed to block. When researchers suppressed SORD in preclinical models, the cancer spread slowed down, even when sugary drinks were still present. This discovery not only explains why sugary drinks are dangerous but also opens the door for new treatment approaches.
Why this study stands out
For a long time, sugary drinks were linked to cancer risk mainly through obesity. The logic was simple, more sugar leads to weight gain, and obesity increases cancer risk. But Dr Jihye Yun, lead author of the study, had earlier shown that even moderate intake of sugary drinks directly fuels tumor growth, independent of obesity.This new research builds on that evidence and shows how the sugar mix doesn’t just start cancer but also makes it far more aggressive once it develops. It underlines the reality that dietary habits matter not just in prevention but also in how diseases behave in the body.
What this means for everyday life
The findings carry a heavy message: drinks marketed as refreshing, energising, or even “healthy” when packed with glucose and fructose can fuel deadly diseases. Children sipping on packaged fruit juices, teenagers hooked to sodas, and adults depending on energy drinks are unknowingly feeding the exact ingredient that can accelerate cancer progression.The research also suggests that reducing sugary drink intake should be part of public health priorities, especially as colorectal cancer is becoming more common even among younger people. The possibility of repurposing drugs like statins for treatment is being studied, but prevention through dietary choices remains the first line of defence.The study is not meant to spark fear but to spark awareness. Beverages may seem harmless because they are part of everyday culture and are tied to celebrations, comfort, and quick refreshment. But the evidence now shows that something as simple as choosing water, fresh fruit, or unsweetened drinks over sugar-laden beverages could make a big difference in protecting health.Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. If such a widely consumed ingredient is now proven to accelerate its spread, then small dietary shifts today could mean life-saving outcomes tomorrow.Disclaimer: This article is based on findings from a study conducted by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and published in Nature Metabolism. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Anyone concerned about diet or cancer risk should consult a qualified healthcare professional.