Answers to common questions about high fructose corn syrup.

By Dr. James Rippe, MD, Chairman of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine at the University of Central Florida

As a doctor and a father of four small children, I know that parents have questions about some ingredients used in foods today.It is important to understand that focusing on avoiding a single ingredient, like high fructose corn syrup, is not the magic answer to keeping your children healthy. In fact, the American Medical Association concluded in June 2008 that “high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners,” and research confirms that there is no difference between how our bodies metabolize high fructose corn syrup versus products such as table sugar or honey.

Does the body process high fructose corn syrup differently than table sugar?

No. Nutritionally, table sugar and high fructose corn syrup are the same. Table sugar, honey and high fructose corn syrup all contain almost equal portions of fructose and glucose. Fructose is a simple sugar commonly found in fruits. Glucose is one of the simplest forms of sugar that serves as a building block for most carbohydrates, which provides energy to the body. Once these sweeteners are absorbed into the blood stream, they appear to be metabolized by the body in the same way.

Does high fructose corn syrup uniquely contribute to obesity and diabetes?

No. The American Medical Association concluded in June 2008 that “high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners,” and research confirms that there is no difference between how our bodies metabolize high fructose corn syrup versus products such as table sugar or honey. Like table sugar and honey, high fructose corn syrup has four calories per gram.

Lots of factors can contribute to obesity. But mostly it’s a matter of taking in more calories than you use – from any source. In many parts of the world, including Australia, Mexico and Europe, obesity is on the rise despite having little or no high fructose corn syrup in their diets.

As far as diabetes goes, sugar and high fructose corn syrup have largely the same effect on insulin production.

Like all foods, sweeteners should be enjoyed in moderation.

Do beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup make you hungrier than those sweetened with sugar?

No. No credible research has demonstrated that high fructose corn syrup affects hunger differently than sugar. In fact, several studies suggest there is no difference in feelings of fullness between table sugar and high fructose corn syrup.

Is high fructose corn syrup sweeter than table sugar?

No. Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are equally sweet. When high fructose corn syrup was developed, it was specifically formulated to provide sweetness equivalent to sugar so that consumers would not notice any difference in taste.

Is high fructose corn syrup natural?

Yes. High fructose corn syrup is made from corn, a natural grain product. High fructose corn syrup contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives and, when made using its most common production process, meets the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) requirements for use of the term “natural.”

Does high fructose corn syrup have more calories than table sugar or honey?

No. All three sweeteners have the same number of calories per gram - four. So as you would with any sweetener, please enjoy in moderation.

You can learn more by visiting www.SweetSurprise.com.

Dr. Rippe is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School with post graduate training at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is currently the Founder and Director of the Rippe Lifestyle Institute, Associate Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) at Tufts University School of Medicine, and Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida. Over the past 20 years Dr. Rippe has established and run the largest research organization in the world exploring how daily habits and actions impact short and long-term health and quality of life. A lifelong and avid athlete Dr. Rippe maintains his personal fitness with a regular walk, jog, swimming and weight training program. He holds a black belt in karate and is an avid wind surfer, skier and tennis player. He lives outside of Boston with his wife, television news anchor Stephanie Hart and their four children, Hart, Jaelin, Devon and Jamie.

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