The College of Glycation is an educational video series dedicated to helping viewers understand one of the most critical and often overlooked processes in human biology: glycation. Led by Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, this series explores how sugar interacts with proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These compounds accelerate aging, contribute to chronic diseases, and play a key role in metabolic dysfunction. Each video is designed to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply someone seeking to improve your health, this series will give you a deeper understanding of the biological roots of inflammation, insulin resistance, and cellular damage—and what you can do to address them.
Curated by: PaulReynoldsPhD (74 videos)
In this episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—dives into one of the most overlooked drivers of metabolic dysfunction and accelerated aging: fructose. While most conversations about sugar and health focus on glucose, this episode reveals a critical blind spot. Fructose—commonly found in fruit juice, table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and “natural” sweeteners like agave—behaves very differently in the body. Dr. Reynolds explains how fructose is processed almost entirely by the liver, bypasses key metabolic controls, and drives fat production, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. Most importantly, fructose is not just another sugar—it is significantly more reactive in the glycation process. You’ll learn how fructose accelerates the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) at a much faster rate than glucose, and how its metabolism generates highly damaging compounds like methylglyoxal. These processes contribute to tissue damage, inflammation, and the progression of chronic diseases. This episode connects the dots between modern dietary patterns—especially processed foods and fruit-based sweeteners—and the silent biochemical damage occurring at the cellular level. It challenges common health assumptions and provides a deeper understanding of how “healthy” choices like fruit juice or agave may be contributing to long-term harm. Topics Covered: -What glycation is and how it works -Why fructose is more reactive than glucose -How fructose is metabolized in the liver -De novo lipogenesis and fatty liver -The role of methylglyoxal in AGE formation -How AGEs damage tissues and drive inflammation -The RAGE pathway and chronic disease -Fructose in fruit vs. fruit juice and processed foods -Why glycemic index doesn’t tell the full story -Practical implications for reducing glycation load Timestamps 00:00 Intro: Fructose & Hidden Glycation Risk 00:32 Glycation Basics (Refresher) 01:43 From Sugar → AGEs (Why It Matters) 02:57 Glucose as the “Classic” Driver 04:18 Fructose in the Modern Diet 06:21 Glucose vs. Fructose Metabolism 07:40 Liver Overload & Unregulated Fructose Processing 09:08 Fructose → Fat, Triglycerides & Insulin Resistance 10:43 Fructose vs. Alcohol (Metabolic Similarities) 12:11 Fructose Glycates 7–10x Faster Than Glucose 13:38 Why Fructose Is More Chemically Reactive 14:21 Methylglyoxal: The More Dangerous Pathway 16:33 Double Impact: Faster Glycation + Toxic Byproducts 17:13 Systemic Damage (Kidneys, Eyes, Inflammation) 17:57 Whole Fruit vs. Fruit Juice (Critical Difference) 19:22 Agave & “Healthy” Sweetener Myth 20:07 The Triple Threat of Fructose 21:33 Practical Takeaways (What This Means for You) 22:14 Context, Quantity & Smarter Choices Whether you're focused on longevity, metabolic health, or cutting through nutrition misinformation, this episode provides a powerful and eye-opening look at one of the most underappreciated drivers of disease. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and professor at Brigham Young University, known for translating complex science into clear, practical insights through his College of Glycation series. #fructose #glycation #AGEs #metabolichealth #insulinresistance #fattyliver #bloodsugar #inflammation #nutrition #healthpodcast #CollegeOfGlycation #lowcarb #ketodiet #wellness #scienceeducation Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://unicity.link/121f260bfe Yerbe mate with a special formulated Balance fiber: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/PaulReynolds For the full Metabolic System storefront: https://shop.unicity.com/paulreynolds Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, electrolytes, hydration, pre-workout and more. Go to https://redmond.life and use PAULSALT for 15% discount. Paul’s favorite exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code Paul10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb Paul’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: PAUL20) Paul’s favorite health check-up for men or women: https://blokes.co/DRPAUL (discount: DRPAUL for 50% off of labs and smart supplements and 15% off all other products)