The Facts on Fructose

Question: I always thought that high fructose corn syrup was bad for you, but I keep seeing ads on TV that insist there is nothing wrong with it. Who do I believe? What's the real story?


Answer: For years, it was thought that high fructose corn syrup caused, or at least contributed to, obesity. Many well known physicians and "nutritionists" have been very vocal about all the reasons to avoid high fructose corn syrup, which is why you have always thought it was "bad" for you. The reason you are now seeing all the ads that suggest otherwise is because the American Medical Association (AMA) announced on June 17, 2008 that "After studying current research, the AMA today concluded that high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute more to obesity than other caloric sweeteners..." They went on to say that "Because the composition of high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are so similar, particularly on absorption by the body, it appears unlikely that high fructose corn syrup contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose." After the AMA came out with this position in June, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) followed up in December of 2008 with the following: "No persuasive evidence supports the claim that high fructose corn syrup is a unique contributor to obesity."

Now, does that mean that high fructose corn syrup is "good" for you? No. But does it cause obesity? The research does not support that. Corn syrup frequently replaces sugar in products because it is a cheaper alternative and it helps keeps food fresh, retains moisture and helps to maintain flavor consistency. It has the same caloric content as sucrose (table sugar).

My advice: No need to avoid it completely, but just as you watch and monitor sugar in your diet, do likewise with high fructose corn syrup.