Hidden Heart Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup

  • Topic Info:High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common sweetener in sodas and fruit-flavored drinks.

    It's often debated whether or not HFCS is better or worse for you than refined sugar.

    One of the reasons it's so widely used is that HFCS is cheaper than sugar. In fact, 90 percent of sweetened cola drinks list HFCS as the most common ingredient after carbonated water. It is also found in processed foods such as breads, yogurts, salad dressing, cereals, crackers, children's vitamins, and desserts.

    What are the potential dangers of HFCS?

    A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed an increased risk of cardiovascular disease death with an increased intake of added sugar.

    Conducted by the UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center's Clinical Research Center, adults consumed beverages sweetened with HFCS at 0 percent (aspartame sweetened), 10 percent, 17.5 percent, or 25 percent during 13 outpatient days and during three-and-a-half inpatient days.

    What were the findings?

    One of the authors of this study, Kimber L. Stanhope, BS, MS, PhD, joins Dr. Leigh to discuss this study and how HFCS can damage your health.
  • Organization:UC Davis
  • Host: Leigh Vinocur, MD