65 Ways High Fructose Corn Syrup Can Harm You

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is one of several food additives the processed/packaged food industry seems to think is absolutely indispensable.  Accordingly, they dump this overly-sweet, high-calorie, low-nutrition gooey stuff in many foods most people consume, often unknowingly, on a daily basis. 

Why they use it so often and so ubiquitously isn't a mystery--simply put, HFCS is much cheaper than sucrose (the table sugar we get mostly from cane and beets); what is a mystery is:

• why they use it so generously even in foods that, frankly, don't call for it,
• why they continue to insist that HFCS is no different than sucrose (which is not true),
• why they continue to defend its excessive use (in spite of mounting scientific evidence against it),
• why the government doesn't move in to greatly limit (if not ban) its use, considering how detrimental this food has been, even if some of the evidence against it is anecdotal (not because it's weak but because formal, long-term clinical studies have not been conducted in sufficient numbers, though the need for such has been strongly established)

How HFCS Is Defended with Misinformation and Purposely-Perpetuated Myths

One reason HFCS continues to be used so extensively is because the food manufacturing industry spends millions on slick campaigns to misinform the public.  They tell people, for example, that there is no difference between sucrose and HFCS.  In one of their ads, for example, one happy-go-lucky oblivious consumer tells another gullible consumer "Sugar is sugar!"

Folks, that simply isn't true.  This is an excellent example of mixing a little bit of truth with incorrect molecular science.  Yes, sucrose, like HFCS, is composed of glucose and fructose molecules.  But the differences they fail mention include the fact that in sucrose those molecules (occurring in a 50/50% ratio) are more tightly bonded; secondly, the percentage of fructose molecules in HFCS is generally higher (as high as 80%)--meaning that HFCS usually (for it comes in different concentrations) contains more fructose.  Not only that, but the fructose in HFCS is more loose molecularly (meaning that it is absorbed more readily and easily than the fructose in sucrose).

Additionally, fructose is metabolized in the liver, meaning that it can by-pass the pancreas/insulin control mechanisms.  To make matters worse, fructose doesn't prompt the production of leptin, which helps people feel full, thus motivating one to eat and drink more.  Is it any wonder that many studies now connect HFCS with obesity and rapid weight gain?

At any rate, it isn't that fructose is so bad but that we are now, thanks to the over-use of HFCS, ingesting too much of it.  For most of our history humans, in fact, have consumed very moderate amounts of fructose (mostly from fruits)--about 20 teaspoons a year, by some estimates.  Compare that to the estimated 140 pounds per year we began consuming in only the last 50 years!

Excessive use of HFCS, though, is not the only problem.  Telling people that there is no difference between HFCS and sucrose is one reason people haven't been wary of this stuff.  For the record, HFCS is created through chemical processes; not only that, but it is mostly (if not exclusively) made from genetically modified corn.

How Can HFCS Harm You?

One of the most troubling aspects about the potential harmfulness of HFCS is the fact that the list of medical complications, symptoms and diseases that have been attributed to this artificial sweetener keeps growing every year.  In fact, some experts opine that we have only skimmed the surface of what is likely a rich buffet of serious problems that will eventually be officially attributable to HFCS.

Having said that, here are the 65 medical problems that have been scientifically/empirically connected to or suspected of excessive use and consumption of high fructose corn syrup:

1.  Dr. Mark Hyman in his article "5 Reasons High Fructose Corn Syrup Will Kill You" posits that in the same time period during which HFCS replaced sucrose as the most used sweetener by the food processing/packaging industry "obesity rates have more than tripled."

2.  In the same article Dr. Hyman goes on to say that "diabetes incidence has increased more than seven fold."

3.  Heart disease:  Actually, there are many reasons why excessive consumption of calories from sweeteners can lead to heart problems; like caffeine, sugar can put abnormal pressure on the heart.  Also, unused sugar can be stored in unhealthy ways--this is especially true about excessive fructose.

4.  Cancer:  One of the fundamental facts about cancer is that malignant cells seem to have an insatiable appetite for glucose.  While what role fructose may play in this scenario may not be as clear, it is known that excessive fructose can lead to things (i.e., excessive lipogenesis and the formation of advanced glycation end products or AGEs) that may lead to cancer in general.

5.  Dementia.  Especially from the perspective of diabetes, brain degradation occurs as a result of some vascular diseases, either because of compromised oxygen/nutrient delivery, inflammation or circulatory issues.

6.  Liver failure:  Because fructose is metabolized in the liver, high amounts of this source of energy can lead to excessive amounts of triglycerides and other lipids being produced.  This, in turn, can place great stress on the liver, depending on the quantity of exposure to fructose.

7.  Body-wide inflammation:  It's no secret that inflammation is one of the main causes of disease.  Excessive ingestion of both glucose and fructose has been linked to this proven source of disease.  This is partly the result of fructose reducing ATP energy sources needed to maintain a healthy metabolic system.

8.  Unnecessarily induced lipogenesis--increased production of triglycerides and cholesterol:  This, in turn, creates all sorts of unhealthy scenarios for the human body.  As a general rule, the idea of any responsible diet is to lower fat production intake and production.

9.  Leaky gut syndrome:  Since fructose requires a great deal of energy to be metabolized by the liver, what ends up happening is that phosphorus molecules are sometimes "stolen" (for lack of another word) from ATP, the energy source needed to maintain gut integrity and a healthy structure.  This process may leave the gut in a weakened state, thus promoting leakage.

10.  Accelerated aging:  The production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) motivated by fructose is one of the integral components of premature aging. 

11.  Plaque build-up in (and narrowing of) blood vessels:  The dysfunctional lipogenesis alluded to previously is partly responsible for this phenomenon.

12.  Metabolic syndrome:  This is a chain of symptoms and conditions connected to excessive fructose consumption that can lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.

13.  Immunological-damage-induced asthma:  There is a large number of scientists who are convinced that the source of some diseases is a weakened or compromised immune system.  Since fructose can lead to such, it may be connected to the development of asthma, a suspected auto-immune condition.  Simply put, these conditions may be the result of the body responding unnaturally or dysfunctionally to excessive or alien substances entering the blood stream.

14.  Immunological-damage-induced food allergies:  The same idea proposed in #13 applies here.

15.  Immunological-damage-induced multiple sclerosis:  See number #13 for a brief explanation.

16.  Mercury-poisoning-connected concerns:  Apparently, mercury has been found as one of several contaminants found in HFCS.  Supposedly, this particular contaminant is no longer found in HFCS, according to some sources.  This illustrates, though, that the chemical process that leads to HFCS is fraught with all kinds of dangerous possibilities, including other contaminants not yet addressed, assuming that mercury has indeed been appropriately dealt with.

17.  Hypertension:  Excessive sugar consumption in general is feared to be detrimental to a healthy circulatory system.

18.  Atherosclerosis:  As has been noted, excessive glucose and fructose can lead to dysfunctional lipogenesis, which, in turn, can lead to circulatory complications.

19.  Kidney disease:  Although fructose is metabolized in the liver, by-products (AGEs, etc.) are created that can affect other organs, including the kidneys. 

20.  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD):  This is the result of dysfunctional, excessive lipogenesis.  Number 60 in this list (NASH) falls under the category of NAFLD, although some people consider these two conditions to be similar. 

21.  Insulin resistance:   Although it sounds contrary to logic (since fructose does not elicit an insulin response, in general), fructose, especially in excessive amounts, can bring about insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. 

22.  Kidney stones: Amazingly, since fructose can elevate production of uric acid, kidney stones can develop.

23.  Gout:  Excessive fructose consumption can lead to excessive uri acid production which, in turn, can further complicate and exacerbate the symptoms/complications of gout.

24.  Complications of advanced glycation end products (AGEs):  The fact is that more studies are needed to determine how AGEs negatively affect health but, for now, it is strongly believed to be detrimental in several ways.

25.  Excess uric acid production:  Fructose can lead to increased uric acid production which, among other things, can contribute to gout (for vulnerable people).

26.  Hyperinsulenemia:  A co-morbidity of fructose-related hypertension and part of metabolic syndrome.

27.  Hyperlipidemia:  Yet another co-morbidity of fructose-related hypertension and part of metabolic syntrome.

28.  Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase enzyme (11):  This enzyme helps keep blood vessels healthy and clear, as well as working properly; among other things, preventing stroke, erectyle dysfunction, etc.

29.  Coronary artery disease:  The bottom line is that this is one form of harm you can beat with proper diet and some basic lifestyle changes.

30.  Erectile dysfunction: See number #28.

31.  Cardiovascular disease:  What applies to #29 applies here. 

32.  Leptin (an appetite suppression hormone) hormone inhibition:  Because fructose by-passes regular digestion, it does not promote the production of leptin, which helps suppress appetite.  In essence, it tells the body one is "full."  Without this mental inhibition, one is tempted to want to eat more, thus resulting in weight gain.

33.  Rapid, easy and continuous weight gain:  When scientists want to fatten lab animals fast, they can use monosodium glutamate or HFCS  expressly for that purpose.  They have the same effect on humans.

34.  Visceral adipose tissue buildup:  In general, gaining weight around the mid-section is considered  one of the worst unhealthy events. 

35.  Low density lipoprotein (LDL) buildup:  This is the "bad" type of cholesterol, the type that leads to cardiovascular disease.

36.  Fat-storing hormone boosting:  Because fructose leads to increases in lipogenesis, the body produces more of the hormones needed to store such fats away in the body.  This can lead to trouble, medically speaking.

37.  False hunger signals, triggering of: Fructose can elicit all kinds of dysfunctional signals and responses regarding hunger and appetite, in essence confusing digestive/metabolic systems and pathways.  This may not be the case if fructose is consumed in moderation and from natural foods but, when consumed in huge quantities, which is  the case today, the results can be traumatic for the body.

38.  Lack of suppression of hunger hormone ghrelin (unlike sucrose):  This is yet another differenc between sucrose (table sugar) and HFCS. 

39.  Hydroxymethylfurfural poisoning or HMF (possible consequence of HFCS being heated to a certain temperatue):  This is another aspect of HFCS about which more research is needed but one should note that this substance in HFCS is suspected of being responsible for the death of so many bees in the US.  It's reasonable to ask if HMF may also be toxic to humans, especially in foods containing HFCS and heated to high temperatures. 

40.  Elevated blood triglycerides:  These fats from foods we consume are stored in fat cells; the problem is that too many of these can result from the excess calories of over-consumed alcohol and sugar.

41.  DNA damage because of HMF (formed when HFCS is heated):  Whenever DNA is damaged or is suspected of being damaged, there is cause for great concern since this reality can be the impetus for disease, including (most specifically) cancer.

42.  Addiction to sweets:  How can we overcome the "addiction to sweets" epidemic without considering all the culprits, including less-likely-to-be-suspected substances like HFCS, especially since it lurks in many foods not viewed as dessert or even "sweet." 

43.  Cavities:  The reality is that bacteria, which attack vulnerable teeth, love sweetness as much as we do.

44.  Periodontal disease:  Excessive sugar consumption can lead to more serious dental problems, beyond cavities. 

45.  GMO long-term potential side-effects and complications:   Because genetically modified foods (like the corn used in the US to make HFCS) have not been subjected to trust-worthy long-term safety studies, no one knows what kinds of health risks Americans are being subjected to because of HFCS.  The question is:  do you really want to play Russian Roulette with your health?  Wouldn't it be safer to just remove this mostly unnecessary cheap sweetener from your diet? 

46.  Increased production of apoB100 and, therefore, excessive formation of fatty deposits via the liver: this lipoprotein (apoB100) that carries cholesterol to tissues plays an important role (since cholesterol is used by all cells for useful purposes) but, when produced in excess, it can overwhelm an otherwise delicate, well-balanced system. 

47.  Decrease in HDL:  High density lipoprotein's role, among others, is to carry cholesterol back to the liver for elimination but, when this "good" aspect of the cholesterol management system is compromised/diminished, bad circulatory consequences are the result.

48.  Type 2 diabetes inducement/worsening: In general, reduction of calories is one of the goals if trying to prevent and manage the symptoms of diabetes.

49.  Retinopathy: A diabetic complication, it can lead to blindness.

50.  Nephropathy:  A diabetic complication, it can eventually spell serious chronic renal disease and, with time, the need for dialysis.

51.  Neuropathy:  Yet another complication of diabetes, it can lead to a number of painful symptoms/conditions, some of which are delve into below. 

52.  Numbness:  Only one of the symptoms of neuropathy.

53.  Intense pain:  Another symptom of neuropathy.

54.  Impotence:  Another symptom/condition related to (among other things) neuropathy.

55.  Tingling and prickling sensation:  Yet another neuropathic symptom.

56.  Speech impairment:  Another potential complication of diabetes.

57.  Loss of bladder control: Another potential complication of diabetes.

58.  Non-alcoholic related cirrhosis:  At the very least, excessive fructose consumption leads to dysfunctional/increased lipogenesis, which in turn puts great pressure on the liver. (see numbers 20 and 60)

59.  Liver cancer:  There are several pathways for the potential development of cancer in the liver, most of which have already been discussed.

60.  Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH):  This is an inflammation-precipitated condition associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.  This may fall under the category of NAFLD (#20). 

61.  Oxidative stress:  Yet one of several systemic conditions that can lead to disease, it is often precipitated by AGEs.

62.  Formation of aberrant hybrid proteins:  These can be formed when excessive, free-standing lipids and sugars react abnormally with AGEs.

63.  Protein cross-linking:  Among other things, this dysfunctional process has been associated with premature aging.  The protein cross-linking associated with fructose is 10 times that produced by glucose, yet another reason to assert that the effects of fructose are often not the same as those produced by glucose.

64.  Vascular and myocardial stiffening:  This is mostly promoted by AGEs. 

65.  Excessive production of uric acid: This is associated with cardiorenal disease, as well as complications in relation to gout.

Conclusion

The way that the food industry downplays many of the dangers of HFCS is by, in addition to saying that HFCS is natural (and, therefore, mostly harmless), claiming that people have been eating fructose with mostly beneficial effects for years.  Well, they are not wrong in that regard.  Then again, even good things can become detrimental when overdone.

It's not difficult to come up with excellent examples for this.  Aspirin, iron, calcium, salt, potassium, antacids, etc.--any of these can be beneficial (and, in some cases, essential) when absorbed in limited amounts.  Aspirin, for example, can avert or greatly improve the outcome of heart disease; over a period of time, however, it can also tear up the stomach, especially when used excessively.

By the same token, proper amounts of fructose (especially when consumed with the fiber, micronutrients and anti-oxidants found in fruits and other natural foods), can be very beneficial.  When served in ridiculously high amounts, however, fructose can, among other things, play a leading role in the obesity epidemic now being experienced in several countries, most especially the US.

Notwithstanding the bad news, there are some steps that you can take to protect yourself from the harm inflicted by HFCS.  They include:

• Read packaged foods labels carefully.  In general, avoid foods with HFCS.
• Use unprocessed sugar or safer sugar alternatives (e.g., Stevia) whenever possible; as a general rule, reduce consumption of sweeteners, including sucrose and fructose.
• Take nutrients thought to counteract/modify the destructive effects of HFCS, such as benfotiamine (vitamine B1), alpha-lipoic acid, carmosine, pyridoxamine (B6), vitamin C, acetyl-L-carnitine, and fish oil with docosahexeanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
• Avoid sweetened soft drinks in particular since these are the worst culprits, instead choosing herbal teas, home-brewed green tea, sparkling water, etc.
• Let the food industry know that you want them to greatly reduce their obsessive use of HFCS.
• Be on the look out for foods which basically don't need HFCS; this sweetener is often used in these products (dressing, condiments, baked goods, etc.) to appeal to people's sweet tooth addiction, in order to extend shelf life (since HFCS is also considered a preservative), and to enhance the texture/composition of some foods.
• Always suspect any reports put out by people financially benefiting from a product; at the very least, always look at both sides of of opposing arguments.  Ask yourself not only which side makes more sense, but which is burdened with the most conflicts of interest.

Ultimately, your health is in your hands.  The bottom line is that few things are okay if consumed excessively.  HFCS is, simply put, one of several food additives you need to remove or, at the very least, grealy restrict from your diet.  Common sense, not just science, demands such a reaction!

Copyright, 2015.  Fred Fletcher.  All rights reserved.