Research paper
Sánchez A, Reeser JL, Lau HS, Yahiku PY, Willard RE, McMillan PJ, Cho SY, Magie AR, Register UD. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 1973 Nov;26(11):1180-4. doi:10.1093/ajcn/26.11.1180
Why we cite it
One of the earliest studies demonstrating that simple sugar consumption acutely impairs immune cell function in humans. Showed that the effect is specific to simple carbohydrates (not starch), is rapid in onset, and persists for hours — providing a mechanistic basis for avoiding sugar during illness.