[this item cross-posted to earth_food at http://blogs.earthside.org/earth_food/2007/07/high-fructose-corn-syrup-hfcs.html]
We've been hearing that "high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is not good for you" for a couple years now, but up until now it has just been something to avoid if possible (i.e. choose the brands that don't have it in the ingredient list if and when an alternative is available, pass up certain "SALE" items because they contain it, etc), but - at least up until this point, no evidence concerning HFCS has been presented (to me), and no critical warnings have been raised about its use in human food products.
Today while moderating a discussion at slashdot.org entitled PubPat Kills Four Key Monsanto Patents, I ran across a post (#19982005 by an "anonymous" author) which - while substantially directed at the issue of genetically modified (GM) crops, mentions some of the reputed [according to the anonymous author] problems with HFCS and includes some [supporting] internet links.
We've had HFCS on a sort of "probationary" status for some time since it's lack of usefulness for human consumption was first brought to our attention a few years ago.
At the present time, HFCS seems destined for infamy on that list I carry around in my head of "poisonous items which are disguised as food and to which the U.S. FDA turns a blind eye." Items which are already on that list include, but are not limited to:
- aspartame
- fluoride
The [anonymous] author of the /. post quotes from a source at http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Dangers-of-High-Fructose-Corn-Syrup&id=28535, which quote is reproduced again, here, in part:
When high fructose corn syrup breaks down in the intestine, we once again find near equal amounts of glucose and fructose entering the bloodstream. As covered in recent newsletters, the fructose short-circuits the glycolytic pathway for glucose. This leads to all the problems associated with sucrose. In addition, HFCS seems to be generating a few of its own problems, epidemic obesity being one of them. Fructose does not stimulate insulin production and also fails to increase "leptin" production, a hormone produced by the body's fat cells. Both of these act to turn off the appetite and control body weight. Also, fructose does not suppress ghrelin, a hormone that works to increase hunger. This interesting work is being done by Peter Havel at UC Davis.Some of the problems associated with high fructose corn syrup:
- Increased LDL's (the bad lipoprotein) leading to increased risk of heart disease.
- Altered Magnesium balance leading to increased osteoporosis.
- Increased risk of Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus.
- Fructose has no enzymes or vitamins thus robbing the body ofprecious micro-nutrients.
- Fructose interacts with birth control pills and can elevate insulin levels in women on the pill.
- Accelerated aging.
