You are also what you drink. Yet another damaging HFCS report surfaces: researchers from the Monell Center in Philadelphia report that overweight people who drank a fructose-sweetened beverage with a meal had triglyceride levels almost 200 per cent higher than the same group who drank a glucose-sweetened beverage with a meal. In plain words triglycerides are manufactured by the body from dietary fat and function as fat transporters. While normal levels of triglycerides are essential for good health, increased levels have been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
The upshot is that drinking fructose-sweetened beverages with meals (or in between) cause bigger rises in blood levels of triglycerides in overweight people. Kids should stay clear of these highly sugared soft drinks.
Campaigners against the HFCS ingredient are quick to point to epidemiological studies that have linked the consumption of sweetened beverages and obesity as the body processes the syrup differently than other sugars due to the fructose content, leading to greater fat storage.
Still clinging to straws, industry associations like the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) have repeatedly claimed there is no scientific evidence to suggest that HFCS is uniquely responsible for people becoming obese despite the following:
"Increased triglycerides after a meal are known predictors of cardiovascular disease," explained lead author Karen Teff, PhD. "Our findings show that fructose-sweetened beverages raise triglyceride levels in obese people, who already are at risk for metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes."
The new study, published online by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, involved 17 overweight men and women. The volunteers consumed two meals on different occasions. On both occasions they consumed a meal and a sweetened beverage. While the meals were the same on both occasions, the beverages were different, with one beverage sweetened by glucose, and the second by fructose.
The researchers also report that the effect was especially pronounced in insulin-resistant subjects, who already had increased triglyceride levels
"Fructose can cause even greater elevations of triglyceride levels in obese insulin-resistant individuals, worsening their metabolic profiles and further increasing their risk for diabetes and heart disease."
Predictably, the Corn Refiners Association has responded to the recent research linking fructose consumption to obesity, stating that fructose cannot be related to high fructose corn syrup and that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that HFCS is uniquely responsible for people becoming obese.
Another report, this time from the University of California at Davis study participants were put on a balanced diet of 30 per cent fat and 55 per cent complex carbohydrates. Of the study group, 13 drank glucose-sweetened drinks as well, while the other 10 consumed only fructose-based products.
After just two weeks of the nine week study, Kimber Stanhope and his fellow researchers found that post-meal blood fat levels had increased in the fructose group, while levels in those consuming glucose-sweetened dropped. The researchers also found a link between fructose consumed in drinks and a boost in fasting blood concentrations of Low density lipoprotein.
Savvy consumers have become increasingly concerned about the effects of additives and ingredients. We get mixed signals from the scientific world as some research is financially backed by soft drink manufacturers and some are by consumer groups, pretty much the same pattern followed by the ongoing GM debate camps.
So we have this:
Welcomed by sweetener suppliers, scientists at the world's biggest food ingredients exhibition claim this week that there is no credible evidence to 'single out' the common sweetener high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a unique contributor to obesity. Presenting its findings at the IFT 2004 annual meeting in Las Vegas, the US-based Center for Food and Nutrition Policy (CFNP) at Virginia Tech said that there is no reason to believe that humans absorb or metabolize HFCS any differently than sucrose.
And the flip side:
Researchers have again raised the controversial claim that fructose intake could be linked to rising obesity rates. By tricking people into thinking they are hungrier than you should be, scientists at the University of Florida believe that fructose, found in fruit, honey, table sugar and in many processed foods, could play a role in making people fatter. Studies in animals have revealed that fructose plays a role in a biochemical chain reaction that triggers weight gain and other features of metabolic syndrome - the main precursor to type 2 diabetes. There may be more than just the common concept that the reason a person gets fat is because they eat too many calories and they don't do enough exercise, said Richard Johnson, professor of nephrology and chief of nephrology, hypertension and transplantation at UF's College of Medicine. "Our data suggest certain foods and, in particular, fructose, may actually speed the process for a person to become obese."
The findings, reported in the December issue of Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology and in this month's online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, add to a growing amount of literature that implicates fructose in the obesity epidemic.
Again from the soft drink lobby:
Ingredients giant Archer Daniels Midland has criticized media reports linking the use of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with the rise in US obesity levels, saying it is not the sole cause of the epidemic. HFCS, which is commonly used in soft drinks and processed foods, is highly refined, with low impurities or contaminants, said to ADM executive vice-president, commercial and production, John Rice. Speaking at an industry conference last week, he stressed its stability at a variety of temperatures and at low pH levels - and its preservative-free status.
And the "B" side:
The food industry must step up to the plate and take a proactive stance regarding curbing the production and labeling of foods that have any connection with fueling the ever-growing epidemic of obesity and associated diseases." Janet Bond Brill, PhD, RD, nutritionist and author.
Getting confused? Here's the FDA's wide stance:
"Under FDA’s longstanding policy regarding the use of the term ‘natural’ in food labeling, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has traditionally been regarded as a natural product. Like table sugar and honey, HFCS contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives. The Corn Refiners Association is pleased that FDA has confirmed that HFCS and qualifying food products containing HFCS may be labeled as natural, based upon the agency’s careful review of the process by which HFCS is made from corn, a natural grain product. FDA’s clarification affirms that natural claims for HFCS are truthful and not misleading."
Some swift back pedaling here:
And "We are aware of the recent comment from the FDA regarding high fructose corn syrup, and at this time, our position on this ingredient has not changed. High fructose corn syrup remains an acceptable food ingredient at Whole Foods Market. Needless to say, we continue to follow this issue very closely. While we do sell products with high fructose corn syrup, it is more the exception than the norm as in conventional markets. For example, although high fructose corn syrup is an ingredient in most conventional sodas, our own 365 Organic sodas are made instead with cane sugar. In fact, in every department throughout our store you’ll find a wide array of products without high fructose corn syrup."
Well, color me unimpressed with that.
Going back to earlier this year:
Last month a US federal judge rejected a claim by Stacy Holk, who filed the suit on behalf of herself and other consumers, that the use of the term 'all natural' on Snapple drinks was deceptive because the products contained HFCS. The case, which was decided on preemption grounds, was filed by judge Mary Cooper from the US District Court of New Jersey.
The discrepancy arose from the lack of a clear definition of the term 'natural' from the nation's FDA. However, Judge Cooper said it was up to FDA, not the court, to define 'natural'.
And last year, both Cadbury Schweppes and Kraft faced lawsuits after making 'natural' label claims on 7Up and Capri Sun respectively. Both companies changed the labeling of their products before any legal action was taken.
The quest for natural foods and beverages has burgeoned on the back of an overall consumer move towards healthier nutrition.
According to Mintel's Global New Products Database, 'All Natural' was the third most frequent claim made on food products launched in the US in 2007, appearing on 2,617 products. It ranked fourth most popular claim for beverages, used on 542 items.
Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of both toxicity and nutrient deficiency. Because our environments are increasingly toxic, while most families' diets are woefully inadequate, childhood disease is rampant. This has resulted in childhood obesity and diabetes, a skyrocketing incidence of allergies and chronic infections, childhood cancer, cardiovascular risk factors found as early as age 3, lowered intelligence, increased depression and violence, and epidemics of autism and ADHD.
And one final observation form ADM executive vice-president John Rice who said that media coverage accusing sweeteners of contributing to expanding US waistlines was misleading the public - although he conceded that "factual media coverage on the sweetener is gaining ground".
Everyone should read this article about sugar types, sugared drinks & the effect on children, compliments of Beyond Health.