High-fructose corn syrup, a heavily processed syrup derived from corn, has replaced refined cane sugar as the most common sweetener consumed in the United States. This change has not been without controversy; many consumers avoid the product because of concerns about its impact on human health. A series of advertisements by the Corn Refiners Association claims that high-fructose corn syrup is nearly identical to sugar nutritionally, and that it poses no health risks beyond those associated with other refined sugars. However, these claims are controversial and may be somewhat misleading.
Chemical Composition
High-fructose corn syrup and refined cane sugar are chemically similar, but not identical. Sucrose, or table sugar, is a disaccharide, meaning that it is one compound comprised of two simpler sugars. A single sucrose molecule contains one molecule of fructose joined to one molecule of glucose. High-fructose corn syrup differs in that the fructose and glucose are “free sugars” — simple sugars occurring together in one sweetener, but not molecularly bonded to each other. Both HFCS and table sugar are effectively 50 percent glucose and 50 percent fructose, but they differ in that table sugar’s molecules are bonded, while the sugars in HFCS occur together but in chemical independence.
Scientific Evidence
Few unbiased studies have examined the relative risks and dangers associated with high-fructose corn syrup compared to table sugar. The Corn Refiners Association claims that solid science backs the claim that HFCS is nutritionally equivalent to sugar. However, in 2009, CBS News noted that the studies were funded by companies that profit from the sale of high-fructose corn syrup. At least two studies cited by the CRA have not been peer-reviewed or published in scientific literature, according to CBS News.
Mercury Concerns
A 2009 investigation by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy examined the quantities of mercury, a toxic heavy metal, in foods made with high fructose corn syrup. Of 55 name-brand products investigated. the IATP found that roughly one-third were contaminated with mercury. If these findings are accurate, they suggest that large amounts of high fructose corn syrup can cause mercury poisoning and neurological disease– a problem not associated with refined cane sugar. Nevertheless, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not specifically investigated these concerns. High fructose corn syrup remains “generally recognized as safe” by the U.S. government.
Conclusions
The American Medical Assocation reports that, as of 2008, there is not enough evidence to determine if the human body reacts differently to high fructose corn syrup and refined table sugar. The AMA does acknowledge that, because “HFCS and sucrose are so similar, particularly on absorption by the body, it appears unlikely that HFCS contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose.” Nevertheless, the organization does acknowledge the need for more studies before experts can draw a firm conclusion.
Resources Used
SweetSurprise.com: High Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Sugar
Elmhurst: Virtual Chembook- Sucrose
CBS News: Sweetener Controversy Grows
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy: Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Food and Drug Administration: Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances Reviews — Corn Syrup
American Medical Association: Report 3 of the Council on Science and Public Health — The Health Effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup