Why corn syrup is bad

High-fructose corn syrup is derived from corn starch, which is a chain of glucose molecules that are fixed together. When processors break corn down, the final product is corn syrup.

High-fructose corn syrup gets its name because it contains higher amounts of fructose compared to ordinary, untreated corn syrup. The most common types of high-fructose corn syrup contain between 42 - 55 percent fructose. Dubbed high fructose corn syrup HFCS 42, the lower-fructose sweetener is usually used in processed foods, certain cereals, baked goods, and many beverages. Alternatively, more potent high-fructose corn syrup, dubbed HFCS 55, is primarily used in soft drinks.

While high-fructose corn syrup is chemically similar to ordinary sugar, there is controversy about whether the body handles the sweetener differently than table sugar. That said, according to the U. High fructose corn syrup has crept into more of our foods over the last few decades. But eating too much high fructose corn syrup can lead to insulin resistance, obesity , type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

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We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Functional medicine expert Mark Hyman, MD , explains the many ill effects of high fructose corn syrup, and he offers strategies to avoid it. Fructose was initially thought to be a better choice for diabetics due to its low glycemic index. Hyman says. Studies show that high fructose corn syrup increases your appetite and it promotes obesity more than regular sugar. He says it increases all the fat in the liver which now affects over 90 million Americans.

According to a study of mice , HFCS consumption increased fasting glucose and reduced the ability of mice to clear glucose from the body. The study also found changes in dopamine signaling in the group that consumed HFCS. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects feelings of motivation and reward.

Past research has linked impaired dopamine signaling to obesity. Contrary to some previous studies, HFCS did not increase body weight. This suggests that HFCS may undermine health even if it does not cause weight gain. Several other studies have linked HFCS availability to higher rates of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. However, this research is correlational and does not mean that HFCS directly causes these conditions.

In countries where HFCS is prevalent, people might prefer sweetened foods or consume larger quantities of all types of sugar. This is why dissecting claims about whether or not HFCS is safe is difficult. Most research suggests that HFCS availability correlates with an increase in health issues. However, HFCS availability also correlates more generally with high sugar consumption. The FDA and most other public health agencies emphasize that HFCS, as with other added sugars, can increase the risk of diabetes and other health concerns.

However, there is little evidence to suggest that HFCS is inherently more harmful than other sugars. The problem with HFCS is its prevalence. It is present in numerous foods, including those that do not taste sweet, such as pizza and crackers. Manufacturers must list ingredients in order from highest to lowest quantity. The FDA rejected the request, citing concerns about consumer confusion.

Because HFCS is not the only sugar that can cause health problems, it is important to also look for other sugars. Sugar goes by at least 61 names on nutrition labels, including:.