Which of the following are major dietary sources of the simple sugar fructose?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question examines your understanding of common dietary sources of fructose, a simple sugar found in many foods and sweeteners. Awareness of where fructose occurs is important for nutrition, health, and managing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and fructose intolerance.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Fructose is a monosaccharide often referred to as fruit sugar.
  • The options list fruit juices, corn syrup, honey, and an inclusive option of all of the above.
  • We are asked to identify which of these are major sources of fructose.
  • We assume typical commercial and natural products.


Concept / Approach:
Fructose occurs naturally in many fruits and honey, and it is also present in sweeteners made from corn, especially high fructose corn syrup. Fruit juices, whether fresh or processed, contain fructose from the fruits they come from. Honey is a natural mixture of sugars, including fructose and glucose. Corn syrup, especially the high fructose variety used in soft drinks and processed foods, is a major source of dietary fructose. Since all listed items are known sources, the combined option is correct.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider fruit juices, which are produced by crushing or pressing fruits. Fruits naturally contain fructose, so their juices also contain this sugar.Step 2: Examine corn syrup, especially high fructose corn syrup, which is manufactured by converting cornstarch into glucose and then partially converting glucose into fructose. This makes corn syrup a significant fructose source in many processed foods and drinks.Step 3: Assess honey, which is a natural sweet substance made by bees. Honey typically contains both fructose and glucose as its main sugars.Step 4: Each of the first three options is therefore a known source of fructose.Step 5: Consequently, the inclusive option stating all of the above must be correct.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to remember that fructose is abundant in fruits and honey and that many processed foods use high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener. Nutrition labels on soft drinks and packaged sweets often list corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup, confirming its role. Fruit juices and honey are commonly mentioned in nutrition guides as sources of simple sugars, including fructose.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Fruit juices only: This ignores corn syrup and honey, which also contribute significant fructose.
Corn syrup only: This neglects the natural sources in fruit juices and honey.
Honey only: While honey is rich in fructose, it is not the sole dietary source, so this option is incomplete.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners assume only natural products like honey and fruit juices contain fructose, forgetting that industrial sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup are widely used. Others may mistakenly think fructose appears only in fruits and ignore honey. Recognizing both natural and processed sources is important for an accurate understanding.


Final Answer:
All the listed items are significant sources of fructose, so the correct choice is All of the above.

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