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Effects of glucose and fructose supplementation on serum sex hormone-binding globulin and testosterone levels: Post-hoc analysis of a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND&AIMS: Previous laboratory studies have shown that simple sugars impair the hepatic synthesis of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This study aimed to assess whether fructose or glucose differentially affect serum SHBG and (free) testosterone levels in humans. METHODS: , fatty liver index ≥60). Participants followed a 6-week fructose-restricted diet and were supplemented with either fructose or glucose, matched to the amount of natural fructose that was removed from the diet. Differences between groups were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with adjustment for sex. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between fructose and glucose supplementation groups in serum SHBG (regression coefficient: +7.7 nmol/L, 95 % CI: -7.0; 22.4), total testosterone (+2.9 nmol/L, 95 % CI: -0.4; 6.2), or free testosterone (-1.9 pmol/L, 95 % CI: -93.0; 89.1). Sex-stratified analyses revealed similar results. CONCLUSION: Fructose and glucose supplementation do not differentially impact serum SHBG or (free) testosterone levels at a clinically meaningful level. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03067428) and were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Maastricht University Medical Center (NL58360.068.16).

Source: Clinical Nutrition ESPEN

DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2025.07.1123