Corn Syrup & Health Problems

Corn syrup is a caloric sweetener composed of three different sugars: maltose, glucose and dextrose. Manufacturers use corn syrup as a sweetener in carbonated beverages, baked foods and some canned foods. Because corn syrup contains glucose, it is contraindicated for diabetics, who should only consume corn syrup in moderation to prevent sugar-excess problems such as obesity.

High-Fructose Corn Syrup

Corn syrup is not the same thing as high-fructose corn syrup. The main difference between corn syrup and the caloric sweetener high-fructose corn syrup is that the latter contains higher amounts of fructose. The commercial preparation of corn syrup utilizes water, corn starch and the enzymes alpha amylase, glucoamylase and D-xylose isomerase. The mixture is then heated under pressure to produce the corn syrup.

Recommended Dose

High-fructose corn syrup is the most common sweetener added to processed foods and beverages, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." This sweetener has raised significant health concerns regarding its contribution to obesity, tooth problems, triglyceride levels and pancreatic and hepatic diseases. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 100 calories from added sugar for women and no more than 150 calories for men. This recommendation equals 6 tsp. of sugar for women per day and 9 tsp. for men.

Uses

Manufacturers produce high-fructose corn syrup from an enzymatic industrial process using corn or potatoes. The sweetening power of high-fructose corn syrup is 50 percent compared with table sugar. It is used in a 10 to 20 percent proportion with sucrose to improve the shine and texture of marmalade, to prevent sugarin defect and to reduce the extreme sweet taste of some finished products made with sugar alone.

Health Issues

Corn syrup is a high-caloric product linked to obesity, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Additional health problems linked to corn syrup include metabolic syndrome linked directly to the fructose. Fructose causes high triglyceride levels that lead to obesity. High-fructose corn syrup has also been linked to diabetes, especially in children, according to the CBC News. Additionally, high-fructose corn syrup may contribute to a type of liver disease, cardiovascular and kidney damage. Further, associations include pancreatic cancer and gout. The Mayo Clinic recommends consuming corn syrup in moderation and choosing products with natural sugars instead of sweeteners such as corn syrup.