As researchers continue to examine the role of sweeteners in the diet,
it's important that people understand the differences among various
ingredients used in scientific studies, according to the Corn Refiners
Association (CRA). Commentators who incorrectly treat as
interchangeable two distinctly different ingredients, such as pure
fructose and high fructose corn syrup, create factually incorrect
conclusions and mislead consumers.
Studies using pure fructose that purport to show that the body
processes high fructose corn syrup differently than other sugars due to
fructose content are a classic example of this problem because pure
fructose cannot be extrapolated to high fructose corn syrup. The
abnormally high levels of fructose used in these studies are not found
in the human diet. Fructose consumption at normal dietary levels and as
part of a balanced diet has not been shown to yield such results.
Moreover, the presence in high fructose corn syrup of glucose in
combination with fructose is a critical distinguishing factor from pure
fructose.
Following are some facts about high fructose corn syrup and fructose:
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High fructose corn syrup contains approximately equal ratios of
fructose and glucose. Table sugar also contains equal ratios of
fructose and glucose. High fructose corn syrup and sugar are equally
sweet and both contain four calories per gram.
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Fructose is a
natural, simple sugar commonly found in fruits and honey. The absence
of glucose makes pure fructose fundamentally different from high
fructose corn syrup. This is because glucose has been shown to have a
tempering effect on specific metabolic effects of fructose.
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There is no difference in how the body metabolizes table sugar and high
fructose corn syrup. Once the combination of glucose and fructose found
in high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are absorbed into the blood
stream, the two types of sweetener appear to be metabolized similarly
using well-characterized metabolic pathways.
-
High fructose corn
syrup meets the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's requirements for
use of the term "natural." It is made from corn, a natural grain
product and contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color
additives.
The American Medical Association in June 2008 helped
put to rest a common misunderstanding about high fructose corn syrup
and obesity, stating that "high fructose syrup does not appear to
contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners."
Learn more about the latest research and facts about sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrup, by visiting www.HFCSfacts.com and www.SweetSurprise.com.
Editor's Note: Interviews available with health and industry experts available.
CRA
is the national trade association representing the corn refining (wet
milling) industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have
served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn
refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn
oil, and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil,
protein, and fiber.
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Nutrition 
