Fructose is a simple sugar that is naturally found in many fruits, vegetables, and honey. It is also commonly used as a sweetener in a variety of food and beverage products, including some protein powders.
In protein powders, fructose may be used as a sweetener to enhance the taste and flavor of the product. It is often used in combination with other sweeteners, such as glucose or sucrose, to provide a more balanced sweetness profile.
While fructose is a natural sugar and is generally safe when consumed in moderate amounts, excessive consumption of fructose has been linked to a number of health concerns, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Unlike glucose, which is metabolized by all cells in the body, fructose is primarily metabolized by the liver and can contribute to the development of insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders when consumed in excess.