Q: Why was fructose given as a nutritive sugar in the hospitals in the past? Why is it given now? What are the problems associated with giving fructose IV?

A:Fructose can be given intravenously rather than the more popular glucose. It is said that fructose (laevulose) is converted into glucose (dextrose) and that it may have more side effects. It has therefore been agreed that glucose is preferable for intravenous use. Currently there is more experience with glucose and it is easier to manufacture thus having the advantage of being less expensive. In practical terms, it is customary to select glucose for intravenous use although in some conditions such as renal failure it is possible that fructose has advantages, but most physicians are unaware of the differences and therefore they select glucose (dextrose).