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The geographical nature of Lebanon allows beekeepers to produce distinctive honey, which is amongst the most expensive in the world, and representing serious competition for foreign honey producers. The increased demand of consumers and the economic crisis are exacerbating fraudulent honey production, particularly sugar addition, which affect negatively its health benefits. In this study, infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics was used to test honey authenticity, as a promising alternative quick, and cost‐efficient method. Six authentic Lebanese honey and 18 samples intentionally doped with 10%, 30%, and 50% of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and high syrup fructose corn syrup (HFCS), were analyzed by near and mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. Spectral data were processed using Principal Component Analysis. The results allowed for the classification of the samples in function of the adulterant sugars and made it able to define bands that are attributes of these sugars as well as a detection limit which fluctuates around 10%. It was also highlighted the advantage of the MIR over the near‐infrared, especially for fructose and HFCS adulteration. Novelty impact statement: Infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics was proven to be a promising tool for testing honey authenticity as it is perceived to be a quick, reliable, non‐polluting, and cost‐efficient method. The application of the Principal Components Analysis (PCA) on Mid and Near‐Infrared data can detect the adulteration of honey with respect to four adulterant sugars: glucose, fructose, sucrose, and high syrup fructose corn syrup. The results of PCA allowed for the classification of the samples in the function of the adulterant sugars and made it able to define bands that are attributes of these sugars with a detection limit of around 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies investigating the association between dietary fructose intake and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are scarce and have produced controversial findings. This study aimed at (1) assessing total dietary fructose intake in a sample of Lebanese healthy adults, and determining the intake levels of natural vs. added fructose; (2) investigating the association of dietary fructose with MetS; and (3) identifying the socioeconomic and lifestyle factors associated with high fructose intake. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative sample of adults living in Beirut, Lebanon (n = 283). Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected, and dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Intakes of naturally-occurring fructose from fructose-containing food sources, such as fruits, vegetables, honey, were considered as "natural fructose". Acknowledging that the most common form of added sugar in commodities is sucrose or High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), 50% of added sugar in food products was considered as added fructose. Total dietary fructose intake was calculated by summing up natural and added fructose intakes. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the association of total, added and natural fructose intakes with the MetS and to identify the socioeconomic predictors of high fructose intake. Results: Mean intake of total fructose was estimated at 51.42 ± 35.54 g/day, representing 6.58 ± 3.71% of energy intakes (EI). Natural and added fructose intakes were estimated at 12.29 ± 8.57 and 39.12 ± 34.10 g/day (1.78 ± 1.41% EI and 4.80 ± 3.56% EI), respectively. Participants in the highest quartile of total and added fructose intakes had higher odds of MetS (OR = 2.84, 95%CI: 1.01, 7.94 and OR = 3.18, 95%CI: 1.06, 9.49, respectively). In contrast, natural fructose intake was not associated with MetS. Age, gender and crowding index were identified as factors that may modulate dietary fructose intakes. Conclusions: The observed association between high added fructose intake and the MetS highlights the need for public health strategies aimed at limiting sugar intake from industrialized foods and promoting healthier dietary patterns in Lebanon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]