• Topics: Family Youth and Community Sciences | Corn Products and Recipes | Sugar and Sweeteners

Facts about HFCS—High Fructose Corn Syrup¹

Is HFCS "natural?"

Special interest groups, consumers and companies each have their own ideas about what is "natural," making it hard for consumers to get a straight answer. In August of 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that HFCS may be labeled "natural" as long as the product had not come into contact with any artificial ingredients or chemicals. There are many other questions related to the use of HFCS.

Does HFCS cause obesity?

One of the main concerns people have with HFCS is whether or not it causes obesity. This question was raised after a 2004 article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested the sweetener might cause weight gain. More recent evidence indicates that HFCS has the same effect on body weight as sucrose. Essentially, excess calories from any sweetener (or any food) can cause weight gain. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005, recommends decreasing the consumption of added sugars, which includes HFCS and sucrose as well as other forms of sugar. Eating a variety of healthier foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat and fat-free milk products, and lean meats and beans, combined with adequate physical activity is the best way to prevent obesity and maintain a healthy weight.

What about other health conditions?

More research is needed to determine whether or not there is an association between HFCS and other chronic diseases. Currently, the main concern seems to be the effect that excess fructose consumption may have on the body. Although HFCS does contain fructose, its chemical composition is similar to sucrose (table sugar) and it is metabolized by the body the same way.

Does HFCS contain mercury?

The buzz surrounding this topic occurred after two 2005 studies reported that some HFCS made in the United States contained small amounts of mercury. Mercury can be toxic to a person's nervous system, kidneys, and lungs. The presence of mercury has been attributed to the use of certain chemicals during the manufacturing process.

One study found that nine out of twenty of the HFCS samples tested contained mercury. Another study found that nearly one third of 55 popular brand-name beverage and food products in which HFCS was the first or second ingredient contained mercury. Even though there are mercury-free HFCS products, there is no way to know if your food or beverage product contains HFCS with traces of mercury. Toxicologists have confirmed that the levels of mercury in the foods are well below the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) safe exposure level and are not harmful.

HFCS and Corn Subsidies

Many United States farmers produce subsidized (government funded) crops such as wheat, soybean, and/or corn. At least in part due to the subsidies, foods that contain HFCS such as prepackaged and processed foods are available at low cost. Since price is often a deciding factor when shopping, especially for those with limited resources, the lower cost of foods that contain HFCS may result in purchasing more highly processed, low nutrient-dense foods. Some health advocates suggest that limiting the incentives for producing corn used to make HFCS might increase the production of other crops such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, which would make them more available and perhaps more affordable.

Conclusion

The important message that should be conveyed to consumers is that the source of the added sugar should not be the main concern. It doesn't matter if the sugar comes from sucrose, honey, or HFCS. Instead consumers should watch their total calories and work on making sure they don't exceed their recommendations. HFCS along with other sweeteners should be consumed in moderation to avoid weight gain and the associated health problems. For more information about high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners, contact one of the following reliable sources in your county:

• Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educator (look in the blue pages of your telephone book). Florida Extension offices are listed online by UF│IFAS at http://SolutionsForYourLife.ufl.edu/map.

• WIC nutritionist at your county Health Department (also in the blue pages of your telephone book).

For referral to a registered dietitian (RD) in your area you can call the Florida Dietetic Association at (850)386-8850 or check the yellow pages of your phone book.

Recommended Websites

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This Web site contains credible health and nutrition information supplied by the government. Materials available in nine languages. http://www.cdc.gov

The Mayo Clinic. A non-profit medical practice that consists of physicians, scientists and researchers. They share their expertise to provide accurate and current health information. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fructose corn-syrup/AN01588

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean.

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