Sweet or Not So Sweet High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Hi Jessica,

What is high-fructose corn syrup and why do some people feel that it’s unhealthy? 

Thanks!

Sticky

Dear Sticky,

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was developed in the 1970’s as a less expensiveand sweeter (nearly 20 times sweeter) alternative to cane and beet sugar.  It is made by treating corn (often genetically modified) with enzymes which convert some of the glucose to fructose, since fructose tastes sweeter than glucose. 

Many feel that HFCS is very unhealthy.  For instance, the well-known book, You: TheOwner’s Manual, by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen states:

"One of the biggest evil influences on our diet is the presence of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a sugar substitute that itself is a sugar found in soft drinks and many other sweet, processed foods.  The problem is that HFCS inhibits leptin secretion, so you never get the message that you’re full.  And it never shuts off gherin, so, even though you have food in your stomach, you constantly get the message that you’re hungry." (Page 192)

Additionally, a few years ago, Florida State Republican, Juan Zapata, wanted to ban state school districts from selling or using products containing HFCS.  He called HFCS the “crack of sweeteners.”

Opponents of HFCS also feel that HFCS:

• Increases LDL’s (the bad cholesterol) which could increase the risk of heart disease
• Increases risk of Type 2 Diabetes
• Links to the rise of obesity
• Inhibits copper absorption.   A copper deficiency can cause problems such as bone fragility, anemia, defective connective tissue formation, etc.

On the other hand, supporters state that fructose is a natural, simple sugar commonly found in fruits and honey.  One manufacturer of HFCS claims that the amount of fructose found in two apples or two ounces of honey is roughly comparable to the amount of HFCS in one can of soda. 

A couple of years ago Tuesdi Fenter, a spokesman for the American Diabetes Association, stated that, “We don’t think HFCS is the enemy.  People can have anything they want as long as it is in moderation.”  Additionally, the president of the Corn Refiners Association stated that, “There is no scientific evidence that supports the statement that HFCS is a contributor to diabetes or obesity.”   

Hopefully this information will help you make healthy choices.

Jessica

In her free time, Jessica enjoys researching food and healthy eating.  If you have a food-related question that you would like answered in the journal, please email her at Jessica_L_Tucker@yahoo.com