High Fructose Corn Syrup May Contribute to Diabetes Risk
Sodas sweetened with high fructose corn syrup contain high levels of a potentially dangerous compound often found in the blood of people with diabetes, according to a report from a recent American Chemical Society meeting.
It could be cause for concern, experts say, because the "reactive carbonyls" in these sugary drinks could bump up diabetes risk, particularly in children.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) "is the most popular sweetener used in foods and beverages today, it has been used in the United States for many years," says Chi-Tang Ho, Ph.D., a professor of food science at Rutgers University.
Virtually all carbonated soft drinks in the US are sweetened with HFCS, mostly because it dissolves easily, is sweeter than other types of sugar, and is more economical.
Although the study did not specifically investigate the risk of diabetes with HFCS drinks, Dr. Ho suggests that steering clear of them might be a healthy move.
His team tested 11 carbonated soft drinks that contained HFCS and found they contained high levels of reactive carbonyls - compounds that are normally elevated in the blood of people with diabetes.
The reactive carbonyls in the blood of people with diabetes have been linked to complications of diabetes, such as tissue damage, says Dr. Ho.
In his study, Dr. Ho found that just one can of HCFS-sweetened carbonated beverage contained about five times the amount of reactive carbonyls found in the blood of a person with diabetes. In comparison, sucrose - ordinary table sugar - contains no reactive carbonyls.
Dr. Ho suggests that parents check the labels of all the beverages their children consume and discourage them from drinking those containing HCFS. Instead, they should substitute diet carbonated beverages, water, or fruit juices.
Dr. Ho also notes that other types of beverages may contain high levels of HFCS, as well. So-called "hydrating" sports drinks often contain HFCS. Dr. Ho is particularly concerned about high-caffeine energy drinks.
"I worry about kids in high school," he says. "They rely on energy drinks to do their homework and stay awake. The level of [HFCS] is so high."
Adding a beneficial antioxidant compound found in tea called "epigallocatechin gallate," or EGCG, to drinks that contain HFCS appears to lower reactive carbonyl levels, Dr. Ho notes.
That could mean that drinking beverages that contain both tea extracts and HFCS may not be as harmful as drinking HCFS-sweetened sodas, he says. However, further research is needed to prove that.
Beverages that contain both fruit juice and HFCS also appear to have fewer reactive carbonyl levels, possibly because of beneficial compounds called phytochemicals found naturally in fruit juice, says Dr. Ho.
Lona Sandon, R.D., a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, says the study is inconclusive.
"It doesn't address the risk [of diabetes], it simply shows a possible mechanism for why there might be more risk in children who drink more HFCS-sweetened sodas," she explains.
"Although there are other epidemiologic studies showing a correlation between sweetened soda and diabetes, it is not a proven cause-and-effect," says Sandon.
Nevertheless, Sandon suggests that everyone follow dietary guidelines from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Those guidelines advocate reducing sweetened drinks from the diet, and "most health professionals currently recommend that kids get zero sugary drinks a day, particularly overweight or obese children," says Sandon.
Dr. Barbara B. Kahn at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston agrees that Dr. Ho's study "needs to be validated by other studies" before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
"However, given the marked prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in our society, and the accompanying risks for cardiovascular disease, there is no reason related to health to drink beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup," says Dr. Kahn.
"In general, it would be healthier to avoid most high-calorie beverages as part of a program to prevent obesity," she adds. "There may be added reasons to avoid beverages with HFCS."
Always consult your physician for more information.
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Obesity is a chronic disease affecting increasing numbers of children and adolescents as well as adults. Obesity rates among children in the US have doubled since 1980 and have tripled for adolescents.
More than 15 percent of children aged six to 19 are considered overweight compared to over 60 percent of adults who are considered overweight or obese.
Earlier onset of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity-related depression in children and adolescents is being seen by healthcare professionals.
The longer a person is obese, the more significant obesity-related risk factors become.
Given the chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity and the fact that obesity is difficult to treat, prevention is extremely important.
A primary reason that prevention of obesity is so vital in children is because the likelihood of childhood obesity persisting into adulthood is thought to increase as the child ages.
Breastfed babies are 15 percent to 33 percent less likely to become overweight, and those who are breastfed for six months or longer are 20 percent to 40 percent less likely to become overweight.
Therefore, the longer babies are breastfed, the less likely they are to become overweight as they grow older.
Children and adolescents generally become overweight or obese because they do not get enough physical activity in combination with poor eating habits.
Genetics and lifestyle also contribute to a child’s weight status.
Gradually work to change family eating habits and activity levels rather than focusing on a child’s weight.
Be a role model. Parents who eat healthy foods and participate in physical activity set an example so that a child is more likely to do the same.
Encourage physical activity. Children should have 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. More than 60 minutes of activity may promote weight loss and subsequent maintenance.
Reduce “screen” time in front of the television and computer to less than two hours daily.
Encourage children to eat when hungry and to eat slowly.
Avoid using food as a reward or withholding food as a punishment.
Keep the refrigerator stocked with fat-free or low-fat milk, fresh fruit, and vegetables instead of soft drinks and snacks high in sugar and fat.
Serve at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Encourage children to drink water rather than beverages with added sugar, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juice drinks.
Always consult your physician for more information.
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