High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) continues to be a subject of discussion, fueled by recent studies completed by Princeton University which have concluded that corn syrup is linked to obesity and other health issues.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup is not a naturally-occurring sugar. Unlike fructose, which is a simple sugar found in fruits and honey (Microsoft Encarta, 2009), and therefore a natural part of the human diet, high fructose corn syrup is an artificial sweetener made from corn. Manufacturers manipulate the glucose (sugar) in the cornstarch, changing it to fructose, which is another form of sugar. HFCS, then, is a combination of glucose, fructose, and other higher sugars. Its popularity is due to many factors, some of which include its ability to extend the shelf life of whatever product it is found in, adding a sweeter taste to food, as well as being more cost-effective than table sugar.
There are two types of high fructose corn syrup: HFCS-55 and HFCS-42. The numeral suffixes refer to the percentage of fructose used as compared to the amount of glucose used. HFCS-55 tells us that the amount of fructose used is 55%, which makes it comparably sweeter than sugar. More beverages are sweetened with HFCS-55, while HFCS-42 can be found mainly in processed foods.
High Fructose Corn Syrup and Obesity
Manufacturers and other proponents of HFCS claim that corn syrup is similar to sucrose (sugar), and that because HFCS-42 actually contains less fructose than sugar, it is actually healthier. They also dispute the contention that high fructose corn syrup causes obesity, stating that any sweetener consumed in large amounts has the ability to cause weight gain.
A study done at Princeton University would not agree. Researchers found that rats who ingested high fructose corn syrup gained considerably more weight than the rats who had access to table sugar, even though the caloric intake of both sugars were the same. Moreover, it was also noted that long-term consumption of high fructose corn syrup caused some abnormalities in body fat; namely, an increase in the size of the abdomen as well as an increase in triglycerides, which is fat found in the blood.
The fact that simple sugars, like sucrose, which have equal parts fructose and glucose, while high fructose corn syrup is made up of unequal parts of these sugars may be one reason why rats gained weight consuming HFCS.
Researchers believe that the excess fructose in the corn syrup is not metabolized as stored energy in the body, as is glucose, but instead is produced as fat. The clear differences between high fructose corn syrup and the simple sugar sucrose seem to be a major factor in how the body utilizes, metabolizes, and absorbs the sugars found in HFCS.
Sources:
Medical News Today, 2010 MediLexicon International Ltd., Accessed Mar 30, 2010 from www.medicalnewstoday.com
Encarta World Dictionary (North American Edition), 2009 Microsoft Corp, Accessed Mar 29, 2010 from www.bing.com/Dictionary
Zeratsky, Katherine, R.D., LD., Mayo Clinic Foundation for Medical Education and Research, copyright 1998-2010. Accessed Mar 29, 2010 from www.mayoclinic.com
Valerie Williams - Valerie Williams resides in the Metro-Atlanta area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management, and has spent much ...
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