A New Danger of High Fructose Corn Syrup?

The dangers of high fructose corn syrup have recently received a lot of publicity. This sweet syrup found in products ranging from soft drinks to packaged snack products, has come under scrutiny for its association with obesity and heart disease. Now, new research points out another potential danger of high fructose corn syrup - it forms toxic substances when exposed to heat.

The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup: Where Does It Come From?

High fructose corn syrup is made through a multi-step process that involves converting corn starch to glucose and then to fructose to form a clear, sweet syrup. This involves a number of labor intensive steps. Surprisingly, despite the lengthy process used to make high fructose corn syrup, it's still cheaper than sugar - which is why high fructose corn syrup is so commonly found in packaged foods. It's also controversial because it's believed to be made from genetically modified corn.

Another Danger of High Fructose Corn Syrup?

According to new research published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, when this sweetener is heated it produces a toxin called hydroxymethylfurfural or HMF. This chemical is thought to damage DNA, the genetic material found in cells. It's also a problem for people who raise bees since high fructose corn syrup is used to increase honey production in honey bees and can cause illness in the bees who are exposed to it.

Is It a Problem for Humans?

Although this new danger of high fructose corn syrup has yet to be thoroughly studied, it could pose a risk for people who use sauces and condiments sweetened with high fructose corn syrup that are heated on the stove. Many ketchups, barbeque sauces, glazes, and marinades contain this sweetener and are often exposed to heat which could convert the high fructose corn syrup to HMF. It appears that toxicity is greatest when high fructose corn syrup is heated above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The results of this study are still preliminary and some experts say that HMF isn't harmful to humans; but why take the chance? High fructose corn syrup is not a healthy sweetener to begin with and this additional risk further highlights its potential dangers.

The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup: The Bottom Line?

Check labels carefully and avoid products containing high fructose corn syrup as much as possible. If you do use them, don't use them on food that will be exposed to heat. All in all, high fructose corn syrup shouldn't be part of a healthy diet.

References:

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/Researchers-warn-of-toxin-increase-in-heated-HFCS