The facts about high fructose corn syrup.

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"The Sugar Fix" Statement

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High Fructose Corn Syrup Natural Labeling Statement

NEW RESEARCH

Researchers Find Beverages Sweetened with HFCS and Sugar Have Similar Impact on Feelings of Fullness

Study Finds HFCS and Sugar Affect Feelings of Fullness and Uric Acid Similarly

Experts Conclude Evidence Lacking to Implicate High Fructose Corn Syrup as a Unique Cause of Obesity

Study Finds HFCS and Sucrose Affect Blood Glucose, Insulin, Leptin and Ghrelin Similarly

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Much ado about high-fructose corn syrup in beverages: the meat of the matter

Weak Association Between Sweeteners or Sweetened Beverages and Diabetes

"The Sugar Fix" Statement"King Corn" StatementHigh Fructose Corn Syrup Natural Labeling StatementResearchers Find Beverages Sweetened with HFCS and Sugar Have Similar Impact on Feelings of FullnessStudy Finds HFCS and Sugar Affect Feelings of Fullness and Uric Acid SimilarlyExperts Conclude Evidence Lacking to Implicate High Fructose Corn Syrup as a Unique Cause of ObesityStudy Finds HFCS and Sucrose Affect Blood Glucose, Insulin, Leptin and Ghrelin SimilarlyMORE RESEARCHResearchers Find Beverages Sweetened with HFCS and Sucrose Affect Satiety SimilarlyStudy Finds Frequent Soft Drink Consumption Does Not Lead to Higher Obesity RatesResearchers Find HFCS and Sucrose Affect Uric Acid SimilarlyResearchers Find HFCS and Sucrose Affect Triglycerides SimilarlyHigh Fructose Corn Syrups, Part 1: Composition, Consumption, and MetabolismHigh Fructose Corn Syrups, Part 2: Health EffectsHighs and Lows of High Fructose Corn Syrup: A Report From the Center for Food and Nutrition Policy and Its Ceres ® WorkshopMuch ado about high-fructose corn syrup in beverages: the meat of the matterWeak Association Between Sweeteners or Sweetened Beverages and DiabetesArticlesFood Processing Article Provides Perspective on Science and HFCSCommentary in The Washington Times Puts Nutritional Advice Into PerspectiveFood Technology Article Provides Perspective on HFCS MythsNew York Times Article Reviews The Science - HFCS Myths DebunkedNutrition Today Articles Bring Much-Needed Perspective to HFCS in the Obesity DebateHFCS BasicsWhat is high fructose corn syrup?Per Capita Consumption of HFCSHFCS Is NaturalWhat the Experts Say About HFCSTop Published Myths About HFCSUses/BenefitsConsumer benefits of HFCSUses of HFCSHFCS Q & AWhat is the difference between HFCS and table sugar?Is HFCS a "natural" sweetener?Is HFCS sweeter than sugar?Is there a correlation between the introduction of HFCS and the rise of obesity in the past 30 years?Has the use of HFCS in the food supply increased the amount of fructose in the diet?Does consumption of HFCS, as compared to sucrose, reduce the ability of the body to produce insulin?Does the body process HFCS differently than other sugars?Is HFCS considered a safe food ingredient?Does HFCS have a high Glycemic Index?Is HFCS allergenic?How does HFCS serve as a flavor enhancer?How is HFCS made?Nutrition Today Articles Bring Much-Needed Perspective to HFCS in the Obesity DebateResearchers Find HFCS and Sucrose Affect Uric Acid SimilarlyResearchers Find HFCS and Sucrose Affect Triglycerides SimilarlyScientific Experts Conclude HFCS Is NOT A Unique Contributor to ObesityWhat is the Role of Physical Activity in a Balanced Diet?HomeFootnotesTerms of UsePrivacy Policy

High Fructose Corn Syrups, Part 2: Health Effects

Nutrition Today. 41(2):70-77, March/April 2006.
Schorin, Marilyn D. PhD, RD, FADA

Abstract:
High fructose corn syrup use in food gradually increased from its introduction in 1980 until the late 1990s. The monosaccharide components of high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are identical. Part 2 of this article explores the health effects of high fructose corn syrup, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, blood lipids, and dental caries.

Sweet foods and beverages have traditionally been part of Western dietary patterns. The Old Testament refers to "the land of milk and honey" to convey sweetness and comfort. Enjoyment of sweets is inborn and so ingrained in us that even infants respond positively when tasting something sweet. But nutrition professionals are wondering if the recent shift in sweetener use in the United States from sucrose to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has specific good or ill health effects.

High fructose corn syrup is similar in composition and sweetness to sucrose (table sugar). It is absorbed and metabolized like sucrose. Introduced into the food supply in 1968, high fructose corn syrup gained rapid acceptance by both the food industry and consumers after 1980. Consumption of high fructose corn syrup has stabilized since the late 1990s. This article reviews research relating the health effects of high fructose corn syrup to obesity, appetite, glycemic control, and hyperlipidemia. The term health effects is used, rather than adverse effects, because consumption of high fructose corn syrup includes some beneficial characteristics; for example, sugars provide energy that may be essential in some diets.

© 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

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