Dietary fructose metabolism by splanchnic organs: size matters

The initial metabolism of fructose is thought to primarily take place in the liver. Using stable isotope labeling combined with tissue and arterio-venous sampling, Jang et al. (2018) demonstrate that in mice, the small intestine is the primary site of fructose metabolism. This raises important questions about fructose handling in humans. The initial metabolism of fructose is thought to primarily take place in the liver. Using stable isotope labeling and tissue/arterio-venous sampling, Jang et al. (2018) demonstrate that in mice, the small intestine is the primary site of fructose metabolism. This raises important questions about fructose handling in humans.