The whole truth about high-fructose corn syrup

This ad has been making waves lately. It is one of three commercials that the Corn Refiners Association debuted last month to “change the conversation about high-fructose corn syrup.”

In the ad, one mother begins to lecture another about the dangers of high-fructose corn syrup in the “red juice” (as such products were always called in my house) that is being served at a children’s party. The second mother turns the tables and catches the other speechless about what exactly is wrong with the corn-derived sweetener, and finally delivers the Corn Refiners’ message, “It’s made from corn, doesn’t have artificial ingredients, and like sugar, it’s fine in moderation.”

Let’s take the Corn Refiners’ points one by one:

1. "It’s made from corn." True. High-fructose corn syrup is indeed made from corn. But you won’t get the same beneficial nutrients in it that you would from eating an ear of corn.
2. "Doesn’t have artificial ingredients." Partly true. The claim about artificial ingredients is a tricky one, since high-fructose corn syrup is processed using artificial agents. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that if the final product has come in contact with synthetic agent glutaraldehyde, then it cannot be called “natural,” which they define as meaning no artificial or synthetic ingredients were added.  But if the manufacturer uses the artificial agent in its production, and it does not come in contact with the corn starch, it can be considered a natural product. So its possible that some high-fructose corn syrups may be able to claim “no artificial ingredients,” according to the FDA, while others would not be permitted the phrase. It’s distinctions like these that lead Consumers Union to consider the “natural” label not meaningful.
3. "Like sugar, it’s fine in moderation." True. Most foods are fine in moderation. It’s too much or too little that causes problems. However, some would probably argue that with high-fructose corn syrup in so many products, to truly enjoy it in moderation you’d probably be better off leaving the “red juice” on the shelf.

So what has happened to “the conversation about high-fructose corn syrup” in the first place that led its manufacturers to want to rehabilitate its reputation?

In 2004, researchers from the Louisiana State University and University of North Carolina published a paper that theorized that high-fructose corn syrup in beverages could play a role in the obesity epidemic. They looked at the correlation between the 1,000 percent increase in high-fructose corn syrup consumption between 1970 and 1990, and a correlating rise in obesity rates. Because of the way the body metabolizes fructose from beverages, the researchers argued, it may play a role in the obesity epidemic.

High fructose corn syrup has become one of the boogeymen of processed foods. The Corn Refiners Association is probably right in noting that it has no known special risk compared to table sugar. While it has been implicated in a rise of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other health problems, high-fructose corn syrup and white sugar are almost identical chemically; each is about half fructose and half glucose.

The association between high-fructose corn syrup and obesity may reflect that we consume so much of it. Nearly all sugars add empty calories to our diets. And because high fructose corn syrup is the main sweetener in most soft drinks and a common one in other foods (including breakfast cereals, salad dressings, cheese spreads, yogurts, jams, and peanut butter, among others), many people may just consume more of it then other sugars. But that doesn’t mean that there’s definitely no added risk from fructose in general. A new study of rats by researchers from the University of Florida suggests that a diet high in fructose may lead the body to develop a resistance to a protein called leptin, which helps control appetite. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship.

We do know that Americans can stand to cut back on sugar. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American should consume no more than about 40 grams of added sugars a day–added sugars don’t include those that occur naturally in fruit and other foods. But the average American consumed more than three times that in 2000. People who want to limit their overall sugar intake would be wise to cut down on products that have added sugars, including high-fructose corn syrup, listed among the first several ingredients, which are listed by proportional weight on the label. But be aware, sugars can hide under a variety of names (subscribers only). Replacing soft drinks with water has been shown to reduce total calories consumed by kids. For more on picking a fruit juice, see our story from May. We also recently covered sugary cereals here and here.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

Read more on how obesity affects your daily life and see our Treatment Ratings (subscribers only) for the evidence on lifestyle changes and surgeries for losing weight.

Comments

[Kayce]

HFCS has been giving me stomach/bowel problems for over two years. I initially thought Splenda was the culprit since it's the sweetener in Yoplait yogurt, and I eat a lot of it. Just last week, I noticed the same yogurt (which is thought to be sugar-free) also contains HFCS.

I've switched the kind of yogurt I eat, and I'm hoping to see a marked improvement within a few weeks. Maybe some weight loss too.

[Bob Holly]

Watch the Lecture "Sugar: The Bitter Truth" on youtube presented by Dr. Robert Lustig pediatric endocrinologist at UCSF.

Sure it's an hour and 30 minutes long but the research is compelling. This video could change your life. I don't want to get nailed for spamming but here is a url anyway:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

[Kate]

Definitely read product ingredients! I want to comment to Lisa when she said that she is allergic to corn products so she looks for products made with cane sugar or Splenda.
I suggest she look up the chemical dangers of Splenda which is just as bad as HFCS if not more.

I am just starting (recently) to read product ingredients and hopefully on to a healthier lifestyle.

[Tara B]

This same conversation could be had about Palm Oil. I believe people trust food makers and they should not.

Tell me they do not use HFCS to alter peoples hunger level. Tell me that the manufacturers of these foods doesn't know that HFCS, an ingredient that addicts people to consume more of it, doesn't help their bottom line.

Blame is misplaced with the people and it is the responsibility of the manufacturers of these products to make their foods safe for consumption. If you became addicted to a drug that you chose to buy off the street that is one thing but masking it in food is quite another. WE HAVE BEEN DOSED.

A family can be attempting to eat healthy and still consume too much HFCS.

[Simple O-Chem]

Wow...I'm amazed at how many people have not read the article thoroughly and thought about its contents. Truly we are a superstitious and false-traditioned people. Let's use our heads!!! I appreciate the comments made by Neva Cochran and Health Care Professional, obvious experts on health. Thank you for being proper authorities on the issue. Also commendations to those who stand by their advice.

It is wise counsel to use all foods in moderation; but, with the amount of sodas, energy drinks, fast foods, and the like that Americans CHOOSE to consume, it's obvious that we do not follow that counsel. Too much sugar (whatever its chemical makeup) will overload your system and cause problems.

In regard to the chemical makeup of HFCS, again, it is a composite of fructose and glucose, simple sugars that can easily be broken down to produce quick energy on the spot, or stored easily for future use. Some complain that this combination of sugars is hazardous to your health, but is it so different than putting table sugar (fructose+glucose) on your grapefruit (fructose)??? Yes and no. "No" because you are still consuming the same sugars that HFCS provides. "Yes" because the grapefruit supplies additional nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. Bottom line: eat more whole grains (LOTS more), vegetables, and fruits to get your nutrients. Trust me; your coffee for breakfast and fast food for lunch will give them to you. HFCS is not the problem. It is the American eating habits that are getting us into trouble.

For an additional authority on the issue, Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. of the MAYO Clinic wrote:

"If you're concerned about the amount of high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners in your diet, consider these tips:

Limit processed foods.
Avoid foods that contain added sugar.
Choose fresh fruit rather than fruit juice or fruit-flavored drinks. Even 100 percent fruit juice has a high concentration of sugar.
Choose fruit canned in its own juices instead of heavy syrup.
Drink less soda.
Don't allow sweetened beverages to replace milk, especially for children."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fructose-corn-syrup/AN01588

[JDLAROSA]

My uncle was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 and got one of his toes removed because it got infected.
After that I started reading about diabetes in U.S.A.
I feel very frustrated and upset about what I found on different websites from the internet and the fact that our new generations are not totally informed about this.
My uncle is now 61 years of age and also feels the same way. I wish I knew more before this happened.
Now I feel responsible to help my future generations and teach them to find better products and how to choose where to eat and where to buy groceries.
Reading the Nutrition facts is not enough!
Please read the ingredients find High Fructose Corn Syrup in most of the products in the super market and avoid them.

[jill]

Stomach problems and drinking Coke have ALOT more to do with the acid... eats your stomach up.

[Dano]

I agree that HFCS is not good for you. All it is is cheaper, is now being known to cause health problems, and has been found to help make you more hungry, so you buy more of the product you are eating, which helps the company selling the product and makes you eventually become obese. If you try HFCS drinks, you never seem to have satisfied thirst in my experience. It seems to make you want to drink more. The only way something should be labeled natural is if it occurs normally in nature, but that's not how the FDA describes it, as HFCS containing foods can still be labeled natural which is a lie. That should be the answer. HFCS does not occur in nature, so no more arguments.

[Ed Fife]

I live in San Antonio and the Sam's here sells cases of Coca-Cola that are bottled in Monterey, Mexico and they use pure cane sugar instead of HFCS. The difference in taste in unbelievable! It also seems strange to me that after the switch was made that obesity rates have risen. I really do wish they would lift the sugar tariffs and let real sugar be used in foods again. Of course moderation has to be used. If you look you can find foods that are starting to say that use sugar instead of HFCS. Come on Coca-Cola and get us a real Coca-Cola Classic made with real sugar.

[Jay]

I just wanted to share my experience from a recent trip to Canada. My wife and I noticed there are very few obese Canadians! So my wife and I went to the supermarket and looked at labels on everything from cola to sportsdrinks to breads and pastries.

NO HFCS!!!

Then we started thinking about it. Why no HFCS in Canada? Perhaps because the Canadian Goverment pays the health care costs of their people! In America our system is setup to make drug companies rich off the sick. No other contry in the world advertises drugs directly to the end user instead of the doctors... think about it.

[Steve]

Very interesting. I thought I may of been jumping the gun on assuming HFCS was causing my stomach issues. I decided to post this in the event someone reading these comments notices having similar symptoms. I definitely link it to the Coke I drink, as I don't end up with a stomach ache when I drink just water for the day. I have noticed my palms will start sweating continuously during the days I do consume Coke(I consider it a cold sweat as it will even continue when I'm cold). I figured that may of been a side effect of the caffeine. But after trying about half a container of "Minute Maid Enhanced Pomegranate Flavored Tea" my palms are all sweaty again-- contains HFCS! You know since they use corn for ethanol now, I want to see less of a push to use HFCS in absolutely everything and start using Sugar again or at least give us a choice between the two. The interesting thing about Coke is it seems to be the best tasting drink, almost to a point where I could consider it an addiction. I still find it difficult to not want to crack open a can-- only when I'm in pain I want nothing to do with the drink. Out of all the drinks I've tried, for some reason I still can't find one that could completely replace it. Looks like I'm going to have to remove all things HFCS out of my food/drink consumption.

[Kimberly C]

I second what Alesia and Jen M have to say. I have been having major gastrointestinal problems for the last few years. And while I have been officially diagnosed with a gastro-intestinal problem, I do have to say that NEARLY EVERYTHING I eat that upsets my stomach has High Fructose Corn Syrup in it. I have eliminated this substance from my diet all together, and low and behold--the problems caused by my gastrointestinal disease almost rarely ever surface now. And like those who've posted before me have said, if I do have an attack, I can almost always trace it back to something that had high fructose corn syrup in it that I didn't realize had it at the time I was eating it.

I don't care what the ads say--I personally think it's a bad, bad thing for us all to be consuming given my own person experiences and reactions to it via my digestive tract.

[jg]

Even worse, HFCS is made from GMO corn exclusively... An experiment in itself. Non-organic, "Round-up" ready frankencorn.. look it up.. see "The Future Of Food"

[back to basics]

A simple solution to the problem of HFCS in so many products? Buy whole foods (fruits and veggies, unprocessed grains, grass-fed dairy and meat-in moderation) and get out your pots and pans. Don't be intimidated to bake your own bread, or make your own pasta sauce. Taking the extra time to cook your own meals is the best way to take charge of your health and your family's. Not to mention, home-cooked food just tastes so much better, is so much more satisfying, and much less expensive.

[Rick]

The thing that bothers me about HFCS is that the Institute For Agriculture and Trade Policy study has found mercury in 50% of HFCS samples and in ~30% of products containing HFCS. The FDA knew about it and didn't release the information.

[Mary Jo]

I have read studies that indicated HCFS does not metabolize like sugar, that it contributes to insulin-resistant diabetes, and that it impacts on the feelings of satiety (this matches the article above) - so when we supersize the soft drink, we can eat the supersize of burgers and fries. The biggest lie of HCFS was when coke "changed their recipe" - that was the turn to HCFS. Mexican stores in southern California will sell Coke from Mexico w natural sugar and there is a big difference! And it is in everything - even French bread and croutons as it helps things "brown" - in my estimation there is a reason for the correlation between obesity and the onset of HCFS and there are studies out there that show it - but corn carries a lot of weight in more ways than one!

[ALESIA]

I realized the High fructose syrup in Sodas, was contributing to my stomach problems. As the person stated Hfcs is in everything you buy. And I personally believe it effects the digestive tract and bloats your stomach.

[B. Smith]

Wake Up America!

High Fructose Corn Syrup, is in everything! I checked my cupboards and lo and behold it is in:

cereal including w.wheat ones.
spegetti sauces
HOT DOGS, sandwich meats
Juices, including veggie ones
yogurt, yes it is!
canned foods, why?
BREAD,buns, bagels etc.
pizza (like it needs help)
Icecream (come on!)
sausages (what the?)
chips!!!! (one bag never enough?)
Wholesome whole wheat products
flavored milks
power drinks
sports drinks (softdrinks should be so envious!
pudding!! (oh me!)
cake mixes etc. cake etc.
toaster pop pastries
Carbonated Drinks, candy
everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
including lo fat stuff!!!
So here's my advice, find the few products that are out there and write them down, and purchase them, and if it cost a little more, thats your health and its worth it.
So it may be a few pennies more, and it may save you a bundle because when you stop consuming HFCS you won't believe how much different you feel.

I don't eat as much any more, I started living clean you could say, I gave up my affair with HFCS and now I eat and I'm full, I'm not hungry after a regular meal, I'm not CONSTANTLY craving and obsessing over what will we eat today . I'm able go without one thought about what will I eat next?

Any one else have thoughts of food all day?
Can you get full for more than 30 minutes?
Do you feel hungry and sick after a meal?

You may want to wake up and recognize that cheap food cost you more than you can imagine, it's hurting your health and your dress size. And probably your hungry angry mood!!!!!!!!!!!
You know the one where if you don't get fed quick enough you may resort to being a total crazy person!

I feel your pain.
thanks for your ear:
Barbara

[Ohio Mom]

From what I've been able to research, HFCS isn't actually illegal in Europe, its called by a different name and its production has annual limits. One of the main reasons sugar is more widely used in processed food in other parts of the world is because sugar is still cheap everywhere but here. The United States has a tariff on cane/beet sugar and we offer subsidies to farmers to overproduce corn which keeps sugar prices high and makes cheaper HFCS all that more appealing to manufacturers.

Rightfully or wrongfully so, I believe the research that I've found that indicates that HFCS is metabolized differently than sugar. I believe the research that shows HFCS doesn't trigger the production of enough leptin, which helps people realize they're full. I also believe the studies that link elevated triglycerides to the consumption of HFCS.

I try to avoid HFCS in the products I buy to feed my family, but I also try to avoid added sugars in general as well. I will make purchasing decisions based on ingredients in the products offered by my local grocer, but most importantly I limit the amount of processed food I feed to my family as it is generally of low nutritive value. Whole, natural foods offer the best alternative and I do my best to help my children make better food choices on a daily basis.

[Jen M]

My 7 year old son has a severe digestive allergy/sensitivity to HFCS. His Pediatric Gastroenterologist educated us to emiminate HFCS in his diet, which causes IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) in about 80% of adults and children diagnosed with this condition. REGARDLESS as to whether HFCS is the "same as table sugar" nutritionally, it is resonsible for major stomach problems in children and adults alike causing IBS. That is straight from the doctor's mouth. Eliminating this ingredient from my family's diet was the best thing we ever did. If my son slips and gets sick we always trace it back to HFCS that we missed on the ingredient label, without fail. This is a very common GI problem. My issue was not really the fact that it was not nutritious, all sugars are in excess. It's that it was causing a war in my son digestive tract.

P.S. He eats table sugar with no stomach problems what-so-ever.

P.P.S. HFCS is outlawed in Europe.

[Floyd]

"Better living through science," is a phrase that has been bantered around for years, but it seems that science takes a back seat to profit. With all the information as to the negative effects of HFCS, one would think that in the best interests of the public at large, that this substance would be banned. Instead your tax money, and mine, goes into subsidizing the corn that this health endangering product is made from. In other words subsidizing early death, in the form of obesity, and heart disease, and diabetes.

Remember though, your Government is looking out for you.

[Grace May]

HFCS and table sugar are not the same! HFCS is a mixture of glucose and fructose; table sugar (sucrose) has the glucose and fructose chemically bonded together. Even in the acidic environment of the stomach, it takes time for the sucrose molecule to break into the two smaller units. (http://www.pjps.pk/PJPS-20-2-07/Paper-4.pdf)

In the study mentioned in the link shown, 80% of the sucrose was still unhydrolysed after 2 hours incubation at body temp at pH2 (Table 1).

Most of the sucrose digestion takes place in the small intestine. So both substances will give you a sugar shock, but the HFCS will be sooner and bigger.

[Concerned consumer]

Why is it that a product bought in the USA has High Fructose corn syrup and the same product bought in Europe does not(an example is Snickers)?. Is it because the laws on safe food are stricter than here in the US?

[dave krug]

The real problem in general with obesity in people is not just HFCS, but the wide spread consumption of any "inefficient" food-energy sources that are nutrient void, low thermogenic, low fiber, and high glycemic foods--Yes, HFCS is one of these "inefficient" food sources. Speaking in generalities, these food-energy sources that I'm talking about are also usually the ones that are processed. At the point of processing is the point that many of these foods turn from being more healthy to being less healthy. Processing includes cooking, freezing, bleaching, preserving, pasteurizing, filtering, and so on. It happens to be that HFCS is ONLY one of many processed energy sources. Examples of processing is de-germing of wheat grains and rice, bleaching of sugar, separation of sugar from corn (making HFCS), and pasteurizing of milk/dairy products. In general, food processing leads to the removal of complex carbs and essential nutrients which lowers the thermogenic effect of food, contributes to or causes nutritional deficiencies (and related health problems), and (generally speaking) leads inefficient burning of sugars in carb-based foods which inevitably in a person with a low resting metabolic rate leads to the excessive storage of fat ...instead of the burning of fat (fat being the most efficient energy source). Simple carbs (like HFCS) cannot be utilized by the cells in our bodies fast enough and thus are converted to fat which is stored in our bodies and even organs (like the liver and heart, yes you can have a fatty liver and a fatty heart).

I believe that our bodies require the paleolithic diet (made up of meats, fish, raw milk, nuts, seeds, raw honey, legumes, greens, and high fiber, nutritionally dense fruits/veggies)- many Amercans are far from this diet. HFCS does NOT fit in with this diet. While HFCS is a simple carb, it's also the other simple carbs and nutrient void sources that are most correlated with obesity.

[yay professionals]

Neva Cochran and Health Care Professional, thank you for shedding some intellectual comments in light of some of the other posts...

[C.L.M.]

Post to Health Care Professional | Jan 6, 2009 11:20:08 PM (5th comment)

Before you chastise another about facts, you really should get your own straight first. The Atkins diet is not a ‘meat only diet’. It is full of meat, vegetables and fruit. In addition, if followed correctly whole grains and nuts. The original diet advocated removing added sugar, processed foods and sodas from ones diet. It calls for a balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates. Sounds like a very healthy way of eating to me. Face it adding sugar, eating processed foods and drinking sodas are bad for the human body. I hope that I never have you administering health care to me, you obviously do not know what you are doing. I suggest you go back to school and stay awake this time. Better yet, get out health care and find a job where you are not a danger to people.

[Open Your Eyes]

First things first:

Artificial: Made by humans: made by human beings rather than accuring naturaly

Natural: Of nature

Two main issuse with HFCS(High Fructose Corn Syrup)are:

Problem #1:
HFCS seems to be in everything we eat without enough research. Foods that did not have HFCS before have now either been forced to up their prices or to jump on the bandwagon to compete. Now consumers were oblivious to this extra sugar intake until recently and researchers are still finding new data on its effects. According to "Health Care Professional" fructose is easily transformed to energy without the use of insulin. Simply put: everything we eat=HFCS, High Fructose consumption=low insulin production, Low insulin=Diabetes. The name says it all "High Fructose" ,so more than normal, and that is a problem. Just because it comes from corn does not make it good for you either. Soap.. made from animal fat+potassium, would'nt eat it. Glue.. made from animal parts, would'nt eat it. Play dough.. sure its non-toxic and salty but it's simply not food. Humans evolved eating naturaly occuring food and HFCS does'nt grow on trees. HFCS came from a test tube in a lab. The body has a problem with artificial because for hundredes of thousands of years it got used to natural and it came from natural. This crash coarse of artificial isnt going to do very well.

Problem #2:
Consumers don't know what they are eating. People need to ask for the research and prove it true or false. Consumers should be demanding to know what it is corporate companies are putting into their products, the studies done on said products and have a voice on the validity and acceptance of the product. Corporate companies are an ever growing malice with the sole purpose of making money to control people so they can make more money. They find ways to get laws passed in their favor unbeknownst to the majority. The biggest problem is that people dont take the time to take care of themselves and their families. If they took the time to read lables and find out what these items, they can't pronounce, really are they would more than likley not eat them. Those of you reading this don't apply to this this notion. The Problem is getting to the masses who don't look into it and only listen to corporate companies vis a vis this ad exist because of commercials, put out by corporate companies, pleeding consumers remain ignorant. Question the things you do! If not you will only be controled by those who wish to exploit you.

[Health Care Professional]

I have got to pick apart the first comment... since its so far off its not funny...

1. "FRUCTOSE is manmade, discovered by chemists in the 80's."

-Fructose is naturally occurring in fruits, which derive their sweetness from mostly fructose alone.

2. "It is the cause of the explosion in in overweight humans."

-Yes and no. The fact it is being 'snuck' into foods that many consumers don't expect, so unless they read labels (which most consumers fail to do) they are not using moderation. On the technical side, its not as satiating as it does not trigger insulin or leptin responses.

3. "The Liver puts out sugar. The pancreous puts out insulin witch captures blood sugar to feed ALL the cells of the body. however the the insulin has no recepters to capture FRUCTOSE. BUT FAT CELLS ACCEPT FRUCTOSE.THIS INFO IS DOCUMENTED BY MANY RESEARCHERS."

-First off, it is spelled 'pancreas' and I believe they meant 'which'. The liver does not 'put out sugar' on its own, per se. It transports the glucose and fructose consumed into the blood stream. In a healthy human, the pancreas then produces enough insulin to react with the glucose to make it usable by the body. Fructose does not require this reaction to be usable by the body. Simply put: Glucose+Insulin=Usable Fructose=Usable. This is also believed to be part of the reason a high fructose intake can lead to diabetes, as the body will get enough usable sugar without needing insulin, so begins 'turning off' insulin production. In healthy humans, regarding fat cells accepting fructose, all cells accept fructose just as readily as they accept glucose+insulin. Its all just empty calories that your body will store.

4. "So, read the lables, if the MANUFACTURED PRODUCT contains corn suryp or fructose, don't consume them."

-Sigh. White sugar is a manufactured product that contains about the same amount of fructose as HFCS. If you follow this bad advice, then don't buy anything with 'sugar' on the label either. I'd suggest looking into a strict Atkin's diet, which is meat only, just be sure to have your cholesterol checked regularly if you do.

5. "Why is this fructose being pushed into our food, IF a $' worth of sugar costs a$ [da],FRUCTOSE COSTS TEN CENTS FOR AN EQUVALENT AMOUNT OF SWEETNESS."

-Why is a naturally occurring sweetener being pushed into foods when it is a tenth of the price of 'regular sugar'? Really? Any business model that says...

"Our options are A and B. They both give the same results, but from different natural sources. A is ten times more expensive than B. We should select A."

...is not a good business model.

Again, sigh.

Seriously, just use moderation.

Here's a few keywords to look for if you really want to avoid sugars...
Dextrose, which is basically just Glucose.
Lactose, which is Glucose + Galactose.
Maltose, made up of two different types of Glucose.
Corn Syrup, primarily Glucose, marginal Fructose.
High Fructose Corn Syrup, which is Glucose + Fructose.
Sugar, Glucose + Fructose about the same as HFCS.
Brown Sugar, again, Glucose + Fructose.

[Frances]

I was going to stock up on canned soup today because we are expecting some bad weather in our area. Every can of soup that I picked up had HFCS in it. Soup! I can't understand why corn syrup would be added to soup. What it means is that people who aren't reading every label of food they purchase and consume are taking in much more sugar than they realize or intend.

[Neva Cochran]

For the most part, this article paints an accurate picture of HFCS and sugar. As a registered dietitian, however, I would like to clarify two points. As the writer correctly asserts, the chemical composition (amounts of fructose and glucose) in HFCS is nearly identical to that white cane or beet sugar. But he mistakenly attributes the results of a study in which rats were fed pure fructose to HFCS. This just cannot be done. High levels of fructose by itself are just not consumed in the typical human diet. In addition, fructose alone does not act in the body the same way as fructose and glucose consumed in combination, as they are found in white sugar and HFCS. Finally, the ratio of fructose to glucose in the U.S. diet has not gone up as a result of HFCS replacing sugar in many foods and beverages over the past forty years. Rather than worrying so much about HFCS, the wisest course of action is for people to use all sweeteners in moderation as part of a balanced diet with plenty fruits (whose primary sugar is fructose), vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low fat dairy and healthy fats.

Neva Cochran, MS, RD, LD

[Lisa]

For someone like me, who is allergic to corn, I had to eliminate many foods containing "High Fructose Corn syrup" from my diet. Which by the way is a LOT! I have to scan the ingredients in erything I buy. If I buy products that have sweeteners, I look for items that are made with cane sugar or Splenda.

[Sam Hiller]

FRUCTOSE is manmade, discovered by chemists in the 80's.
It is the cause of the explosion in in overweight humans.
The Liver puts out sugar. The pancreous puts out insulin witch captures blood sugar to feed ALL the cells of the body. however the the insulin has no recepters to capture FRUCTOSE. BUT FAT CELLS ACCEPT FRUCTOSE.THIS INFO IS DOCUMENTED BY MANY RESEARCHERS.
So, read the lables, if the MANUFACTURED PRODUCT contains corn suryp or fructose, don't consume them.
Why is this fructose being pushed into our food, IF a $' worth of sugar costs a$ [da],FRUCTOSE COSTS TEN CENTS FOR AN EQUVALENT AMOUNT OF SWEETNESS.