Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Unhealthy?

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- High fructose corn syrup, a widely-used sweetener has some experts debating whether it's healthy for harmful.

The widespread use of HFCS in just about every food product, including juice, breakfast bars, ketchup, and salad dressing.

Debbie Lord only realized that after learning her mother was allergic to corn.

"The doctors said, ‘I'm not just talking about corn on the cob and creamed corn. You have to start reading labels,'" Lord said. "That's when we really became aware of how many different things."

Karen Massey, a registered dietician, there's no need to worry about digesting HFCS.

"High fructose corn syrup is a sugar," Massey said. "It's got four calories per gram, same as any other sugar, metabolized pretty much the same."

The latest American Medical Association study confirms this, but it's one of several studies on the subject that has confused even the most experienced researcher.

"The studies are conflicting about whether high fructose corn syrup is worse than sucrose," said Dr. Stephen Prescott of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. "It definitely has a major effect on causing obesity and then all the health consequences that come from that."

But Dr. Prescott believes that has less to do with HFCS and more to do with the amount that's consumed.

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"The manufacturers of high fructose corn syrup have been so successful in making it very inexpensive," Prescott said. "That's led to increased use of this sweetener."

The Corn Refiners' Association, the makers of HFCS, disagrees. They cite the afore-mentioned AMA study which claims HFCS is not linked to obesity and is often misunderstood.

Audrae Erickson, spokeswoman for the CFA, acknowledged the HFCS is widely consumed through products like soft drinks, and has been addressed in the campaign.

"We have a very strong moderation message because this is not a campaign to drive consumption," Erickson said. "It's one to set the record straight."

As for the HFCS appearing is so many products, Erickson said it's necessary because it enhances the flavors of the various food items.

Dr. Prescott said that's not good policy.

"I'm in favor of good tasting food, but to just put it in a little bit of this very intense sweetener is the wrong way to go," Prescott said.

Some food manufacturers, like Kraft and Ocean Spray have responded to some consumer concerns about HFCS by removing it from some of their product lines and advertising that on the label.

The Corn Refiners Association said the practice is misleading, but Dr. Prescott and Lord claim it's a step in the right direction.

Learn more about healthy living, including tips on how to keep your family healthy and fit.

"For ourselves, we don't' have health problems," Lord said. "We're a little less conscious of it, but when my mom's visiting, we're very careful."

One thing experts agree on is consumers should limit consumption of all sugars, including products containing high fructose corn syrup, claiming moderation is essential to a balanced diet.