High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener produced by converting glucose into fructose to form a mixture of the two sugars. It is used in a variety of foods and beverages for its ability to lengthen shelf life and for its low cost. In recent years, high-fructose corn syrup has been linked to a number of health problems, ranging from obesity to mercury toxicity. Understanding the potential health dangers of high-fructose corn syrup can help you make an informed decision about whether to consume foods containing it.
Obesity
Obesity is a common condition that carries many serious health risks. According to the National Institutes of Health, drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup and other sugar-based sweeteners are associated with weight gain and obesity in children.
The ways in which high-fructose corn syrup contributes to weight gain are complex, though its large amount of empty calories are thought to play a role. Also, the extremely sweet taste of high-fructose corn syrup may condition taste buds to crave excessively sweet flavors, leading to overconsumption of sugary foods.
Obesity can lead to a plethora of dangerous health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Limiting your daily intake of high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars may help prevent weight gain and can even lead to weight loss in people who frequently consume such products.
Tooth Decay
Dental caries--also known as cavities--are a form of tooth decay that occurs when lactic acid produced by sugar-fed bacteria erodes tooth enamel. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who consume soda regularly are more likely to develop dental caries than those with lower intakes of sweetened beverages. High-fructose corn syrup is a common ingredient in most sodas and sweet drinks.
In addition, children who frequently consume sweet drinks like soda generally drink less milk, which is an important food source of calcium. Because calcium is needed for healthy teeth, a deficiency may lead to poor dental health.
Mercury Toxicity
Some sources of high-fructose corn syrup may contain traces of mercury, a toxic metal with detrimental health effects. According to "Environmental Health Journal," high-fructose corn syrup manufactured with caustic soda has been found to contain between 0.005 to 0.570 micrograms of mercury per gram. While further tests are needed to determine whether actual food products containing high-fructose corn syrup are contaminated with mercury, caution is advised in children and patients with sensitivities to the toxic metal.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity: a prospective, observational analysis.
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Dental Caries and Beverage Consumption in Young Children
- Mercury from chlor-alkali plants: measured concentrations in food product sugar
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