Similarities of HFCS & Sugar

John S. White, Ph.D., Caloric Sweetener Expert and President, White Technical Research discusses the differences and similarities between high fructose corn syrup and sugar.

Resources for Facts

The U.S. government and a variety of organizations have information available on nutrition and health.

Top HFCS Myths

Contrary to its name, high fructose corn syrup is not high in fructose. More myth-busting information is available.

HFCS Composition & Metabolism

High Fructose Corn Syrups, Part 1: Composition, Consumption, and Metabolism

Obesity has become an important health concern for many Americans. While the likely causes of obesity are numerous and the overall topic is complicated, there is a tendency to oversimplify the problem and try to blame certain foods.

HFCS has been singled out by some in the national obesity debate in a manner that is not consistent with much of the available scientific evidence.

In the abstract of her article "High Fructose Corn Syrups, Part 1: Composition, Consumption, and Metabolism," author Dr. Marilyn D. Schorin states, "High fructose corn syrup, as used in foods, is similar in composition and sweetness to sucrose. Absorption and metabolism of HFCS is also similar to that of sucrose."

An abstract of the article is below.

Nutrition Today. 40(6):248-252, November/December 2005.
Schorin, Marilyn D. PhD, RD, FADA

Abstract:
High fructose corn syrup, as used in foods, is similar in composition and sweetness to sucrose. Absorption and metabolism of high fructose corn syrup is also similar to that of sucrose. Although introduced into the food supply in 1968, popularity of high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener grew after the Food and Drug Administration's 1983 decision that high fructose corn syrup is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Part 1 of this article explains the composition, consumption patterns, and metabolism of HFCS. Part 2 explores the health impact of high fructose corn syrup consumption.