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Is high-fructose corn syrup bad for you?

Should you avoid high fructose corn syrup?

Should I avoid all foods containing it?

By Joyce Hendley, for EatingWell

Editor's note: Our readers have had quite a bit to say about high-fructose corn syrup. We encourage you to share your thoughts, and read EatingWell Magazine’s Editorial Director Lisa Gosselin’s response in the User Comments section at the bottom of the page.

A: High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a manmade sweetener that’s found in a wide range of processed foods, from ketchup and cereals to crackers and salad dressings. It also sweetens just about all of the (regular) soda Americans drink. HFCS used in foods is between 50 to 55 percent fructose—so chemically, it’s virtually identical to table sugar (sucrose), which is 50 percent fructose. Metabolic studies suggest our bodies break down and use HFCS and sucrose the same way.

Yet, after HFCS began to be widely introduced into the food supply 30-odd years ago, obesity rates skyrocketed. And because the sweetener is so ubiquitous, many blame HFCS for playing a major role in our national obesity epidemic. As a result, some shoppers equate HFCS with “toxic waste” when they see it on a food label. But when it comes right down to it, a sugar is a sugar is a sugar. A can of soda contains around nine teaspoons of sugar in the form of HFCS—but, from a biochemical standpoint, drinking that soda is no worse for you than sipping home-brewed iced tea that you’ve doctored with nine teaspoons of table sugar or an equivalent amount of honey.

Even Barry Popkin, Ph.D., a nutrition professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who previously suggested, in an influential 2004 paper, a possible HFCS-obesity link, stresses that the real obesity problem doesn’t lie just with HFCS. Rather, it’s the fact that sugars from all sources have become so prevalent in our food supply, especially in our beverages. He scoffs at the “natural” sweeteners sometimes added to upscale processed foods like organic crackers and salad dressings. “They all have the same caloric effects as sugar,” he explains. “I don’t care whether something contains concentrated fruit juice, brown sugar, honey or HFCS. The only better sweetener option is ‘none of the above.’”

At EatingWell, it’s our philosophy to keep any sweeteners we use in our recipes to a minimum—and likewise, to limit processed foods with added sugars of any type, including HFCS. We recommend you do the same.

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Did you know?

The corn syrup found on supermarket shelves is only a distant cousin to the high-fructose corn syrup used commercially. Both start by processing corn starch with enzymes and/or acids, but the HFCS process is much more complex and results in a different chemical structure.

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USER COMMENTS — Add Your Comment

A recent article from another magazine suggests that high-fructose corn syrup interferes with your bodies appetite control center and products that contain it make you hungry. They also suggest if high-fructose corn syrup is one of the first five ingredients in a product do not buy it!

Beverly Wilson, Willits, CA

Just wanted to note from your Did You Know? at the end. I looked at my bottle of corn syrup, and the second thing listed after corn syrup is HFCS!

JJ, Mineral, VA

I am allergic to corn of any type so eating has become very tricky. I have to make my own baking supplies since they have corn starch and syrup for shelf life. It seems like more companies are using corn syrup lately and it is very sad.

Barbara, Suisun City, CA

I am concerned that the message you are sending is that this chemical that has been noted to interfere with the leptin hormone is being ignored. If that research is true the HFCS allows a person to potentially over-eat because the body will not naturally let it know that it is full.

Stephanie, Petaluma, CA

High Fructose Corn Syrup puts people at risk for metabolic syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Having just one of these conditions--increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels--contributes to your risk of serious disease. In combination, your risk is even greater." There is a a rise in uric acid in the bloodstream that occurs after fructose is consumed. The temporary spike of HFCS blocks the action of insulin, which typically regulates how body cells use and store sugar and other food nutrients for energy. If uric acid levels are frequently elevated, over time features of metabolic syndrome may develop, including high blood pressure, obesity and elevated blood cholesterol levels.

Geri, Lubec, ME

Sorry to disagree with you but HFCS is most certainly bad for you. It is one of the major players in the obesity epidemic. The consumption of high fructose corn syrup not only exacerbates the obesity epidemic, it also harms organs like your liver and pancreas, leading to bone loss, anemia and heart problems, just to name a few. There are literally hundreds of articles detailing the harmful effects of HFCS. Avoid this like the plague.

Patty, Summerville, SC

I would tend to disagree that all sugar is the same--I understand that there are studies that suggest HFCS does NOT trigger Leptin in the same way so satiety is less.

Rebecca, Augusta, ME

Stay away from it as much as possible! It increases your omentum in your abdomen and makes you fat!! Most Americans consume way more sugar than they actually need. A rose by any other name.... Sugar is sugar.

Traveler47, Altavista, VA

I have read extensively about HFCS and everything I have ever read is bad. It is not just another sugar. It is different and acts differently in our bodies. Food manufacturers should get the idea that people are not as dumb as they think and are becoming educated about what they buy and eat. Soon, enough people will refuse to buy anything with HFCS in it, and then they will have to remove it or not sell the products. That will be GOOD for everyone!!!

Brenda, West Jordan, UT

Ok, after reading a story in Mens Helth my wife and I totally purged our pantry of HFCS. Lost around 10 lbs over the next six to nine months. No other change in diet other than replacing HFCS with other natural sweeteners. And the food tastes better. A real WIN-WIN for everybody!

Keith Ballein, Meridian, ID

The only thing bad about is the addiction part, so just make sure u r thinking about how much of it u r eating before u eat 2 much!

Savah Hamal, NYC, NY

Sandy, Stevia is a natural sugar that has not been destroyed. Stevia does NOT clog your arteries.

Madison, Santa Monica, CA

As bad as refined sugar and corn syrup are, they still can not rival the ill effects of artificial sugar substitutes. One story I can share briefly is a friend who had consistent bleeding in her kidneys. The doctors could not find the cause until she finally thought to tell him of her constant use of diet sodas. Once removed from her diet, the symptoms disappeared. The long term effects are yet to be determined. Why is there not more main stream studies and results being published? They must have an amazing lobby, and powerful backers. Thanks for your time. S.Spallone

S.Spallone, Knoxville, TN

Every mother should check the very first ingredient in baby milk formula. No wonder we are having epidemics of diabetes, obesity, ADD, heart disease and who knows what else, and the long term effects of using these products.

Jan, Amarillo, TX

A sugar is a sugar is a sugar, but I have read the the chemical restructuring of HFCS causes it to be retained permanently and changed to fat that is very difficult to lose. I guess that study was false.

Lisa, Montoursville, PA

How do we get manufacturers to stop using HFCS? I read labels and now try to eliminate any that have it in the first 3 ingredients.

Pauline, Ahmeek, MI

Thank you for once again enlightening us about HFCS and reminding us that a sugar is a sugar is a sugar. I am a small organic grower and I find nature has provided us with so many natural sweeteners in our properly grown food to satisfy our sweet tooth. Eating Well continues to be a superb magazine when it comes to advise on healthy eating.

Linda Boyd, Oxford, MS

I have found that corn products including corn syrup cause intestinal problems for me. It causes my IBS too act up. I have talked it over with my allergy doctor and my gastro doctor and we have realized that I am allergic to corn products.

Shannon Darby, Jacksonville, FL

While there may or may not be a strong link between HFCS and obesity, I cut out foods containing HFCS from my diet and lost just over 50 pounds in about a year and a half without increasing my exercise. Theoretically, while humans break down HFCS in much the same way as table sugar, there will always be potential natural variation among individuals on how their bodies react to the same physiological processes.

Anonymous, Sacramento, CA

Your "HFCS is harmless" statement is not true!!! You should be ashamed to claim that it is. Google "Is high fructose corn syrup harmful" for the facts!!

T Shanahan, Inglis, FL

I avoid any product with high fructose corn syrup. A small amount of sugar is fine, but I find all types of products, including whole wheat bread, have fructose corn syrup in the ingredient list. I no longer buy the product. Such a shame!

D. D. Spencer, Carson City, NV

HFCS also stimulates the appetite to help the consumer eat more of the product. Why do we need HFCS is everything we eat anyway? I am upset at the way you glossed over this subject.

E. J. Bisch, Bell, FL

As a family we are trying to avoid HFCS at all costs because we feel it is really bad for us. I have read to avoid it all the time which makes it hard to grocery shop and now you say sugar is sugar, I am now confused.

Heather Fox, Rumford, RI

I was surprised by your response. Everything I have read about it advises to stay away from it (to the extent possible because it is in everything) for the reason that it interferes with leptin, a hormone that makes us feel full after eating.

Sandy, Baton Rouge, LA

So, stevia is also like sugar?

Sandy, Annandale, VA

I just returned from a visit to Oregon where my 2 daughters-in-law were discussing the evils of HFCS. Great timing on your article which I sent to them.

Bernie, Middletown, PA

I have four children with ADHD. Consumption of HFCS definitely increases their ADHD symptoms. It also causes a chemically induced bi-polar reaction. They will be "manic," all giddy, giggling and hyper for 4-6 hours. After which they become depressed, angry and downright nasty for up to 24 hours. I have run the "experiment" on them numerous time, so I know it is not a fluke. Even white table sugar does not have the same effect as HFCS. It does make feeding them problematic. We cannot go out to eat very often and most foods at home have to be prepared from scratch. I have to read labels very carefully and I have to do it EVERY time I shop, since manufacturers will change formulas and recipes without notice.

R. Pittsley, Minneapolis, MN

I have allergies and corn being one of them I have really tried to avoid as much processed foods as possible and have found when I do consume foods that are high in corn syrup I have really bad headaches.

Wanda Riley, Brandon, MS

How can you say a sugar is a sugar? High fructose corn syrup is not a natural product. It has been chemically altered and causes your body to store more fat. Remember when we were told to switch from butter to margarine because it was healthier? Turns out the trans fats in margarine were worse for you. I will continue to avoid chemically altered products and try and use natural ones. We should all reduce our consumption of sugar but we should avoid HFCS.

Susan Myers, Ballston Lake, NY

I am not aware of anyone addressing another health problem in our society due to High Fructose Corn Syrup consumption. This would be dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease. As a Dental Hygienist for 33 years, I can tell you the incidence of oral disease is dramatically increased in those that consume liquids with HFCS. Our ADA tables of contents of soda show much higher levels than 9 teaspoons. Most sodas contain 13 teaspoons in one can. The repeated exposure to HFCS in the form of liquid increases the normal flora in the oral cavity of decay causing organisms and creates excessive buildup of disease-causing plaque.

P. Reed-Reimer, Sanford, FL

I think you need to get a second opinion on your article. It seems ludricrous that you call high fructose corn syrup the same as natural sugar.

Melba, Ft. Myers, FL

I think the point of the article has been lost on some readers. Nowhere in the wording does the author claim that high fructose corn syrup is the same as sugar. And nowhere does she endorse HFCS. On the contrary, she's saying that ALL sugars--not just HFCS--need to be used judiciously. If you really think about it, even table sugar isn't "natural" when you consider all of processing it must endure to become granulated. I'm afraid our ideas of natural versus processed, toxic versus healthful have become dramatically skewed.

Anonymous, Bennington, VT

This stuff is poison and does not belong in the human body.

Mary, Nashville, TN

I do not eat high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oil (margarine). Club Soda with lemon is a great alternative to regular or diet soda. I wish they would stop chemically altering our food. If you shop in a health food store, you would not find these ingredients in any of their products.

Diane, Sanibel, FL

What about Splenda?

E Haas, Sun City, AZ

I can not believe that a magazine titled "Eating Well" is telling me that HFCS is OK and will not hurt me. How very sad.

Judy Lescallett, Massillon, OH

When you have to use the word chemical there is the first problem. We should avoid chemicals all together and the structure of the chemical is not broken down in the body the same way. Why do you think we have illness and disease?

Vanessa, Corinth, TX

I would like to know who funded that research. I'm betting it's connected to the corn syrup industry in some way. Who pays for Barry Popkins research? I would think that a site such as yours would look at all the facts before posting an article like this. I'm disappointed.

Pete, Lapeer, MI

Look at what is happening with HFCS in the Netherlands. Look at what they don't prosecute against, and put two and two together.

Kristin, Edison, NJ

I found that the closest to natural sugar is using organic evaporated cane juice. The cane is cut down and not burned. The juice is extracted. I started using it in place of real sugar and I don't need to use as much. When a recipe calls for 1/2 a cup, I use 1/4 cup and experiment.

Linda, Arlington, TX

I also must disagree with the term a sugar is a sugar, when its related to HFCS. Not only is it taken thru a very strenous process in order to preserve shelf life in just about everything on the grocery shelfs but it has no nutritional value whatsoever. At least with blackstrap molasses or pure honey, used in moderation, you are getting some nutritional value that your body can naturally break down. HFCS is a huge cause for allergies and many other health issues. This stuff should be banned!

Michelle, Paradise, CA

Banned it should be. That's one of the first ingredients I look for on a nutritional label. If it's high on the list I won't touch it. I tried a Sorbet recently. The HFCS was low on the list of ingredients. The next day I felt like I had 20 pounds of bricks in my stomach. It took almost 3 weeks, to get out of my system, before I felt good again. Now, if it's on the label at all I don't touch it!!!

Donovan, Morro Bay, CA

I read labels consistently. I try to stay away from HFCS as much as possible. It makes IBS worse, and honestly, I'm just scared of what it is doing to our bodies. I've been using Sweet & Low for years, (I'm a diabetic), and I don't especially like using it. One hardly knows what to buy that's healthy.

Marty, Roanoke, VA

Can someone tell me the difference between high fructose corn syrup and just plain corn syrup?

Michele, Layton, UT

I was very disappointed in this article. Not all sugars are equal - no pun intended. None are good for us especially in the amounts most of us consume. There is an interview on the internet Dr. Robert Lustig who's a Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco. Very interesting interview, very scary. I don't believe that HFCS can be lumped with other sugars. It's far worse for our liver as it is the only organ that can process the stuff. Dr. Lustig likened HFCS to alcohol (as far as the effects on the liver) but with out the alcohol. HFCS also inhibits the body’s ability to realize when it is full… so we eat more. The interview can be found by searching for “obesity epidemic” + lustig. It’s on the Health Report ABC Radio National site.

Anonymous, Rochester, NY

Can you imagine putting nine, or even thirteen teaspoons in a 12 oz. glass of ice tea? Imagine how that would taste! That is what this article suggests as an equivalent to a can of pop (that's what we call it here). The secret of HFCS is that it can cram all that sugar into one can of pop and it doesn't taste like 13 teaspoons of sugar. Why is it so prevalent? Do you think companies are using it in our foods because it is healthy for us, or just like natural sugar? Or is it because HFCS is cheap, really cheap? It's the latter, and it is negatively affecting the way our bodies process foods.

Paul, Cleveland, OH

I am delighted to see how many people realize that HFCS is bad for you!!! I have a metabolic syndrome and was faced with going on meds to control my insulin. Instead I cleared out my pantry of all sugar and sugar substitutes including HFCS. Since then I have lost nearly 20 pounds and feel healthier than ever. Let's make sure our kids know what is causing their obesity and lets also make sure that big business knows we are not going to support them and their bad decisions to use these ingredients!!! I think our message is being heard look at the store shelves and see how many companies are going organic, taking out trans fats and also sugar substitutes.

Angela, Fort Wayne, IN

Michele, Most pure corn syrup is not chemically altered, HFCS is corn syrup that has been chemically altered to increase its fructose content, please see westonaprice dot org slash modernfood slash highfructose dot html. HFCS is a poison that over the last 30 years since its use in our food, has proven itself to be a destroyer of our bodies.

Ernest, Winter Park, FL

This is a surprisingly short-sighted article. Are you funded by the HFCS lobby or something? Sugar causes cravings for many people; the more processed a food is, the more dangerous it is. Next you're going to be telling us that there's no difference between cow that have been fed antibiotics and organic goat's milk. I've never read this magazine before and found a link to this article; now I wonder who funds it, and I'll never come back to read it.

Suspicious, LA, CA

I was initially shocked to read Ms Hendley's article apparently defending the use of HFCS in our food as no worse than other sugars that we consume. The pressures from the Mega Corporations that dominate the food supply are great and relentless. They badly influence articles such as Ms. Hendley's. They may actually own "Eating Well". One of the strategies of all Multi National Corporations is to run propaganda machines and what better way to do that than to buy the media that people turn to for objective truth? While I am ignoring that possibility for the moment let's look at the article. There are two questions asked at the beginning of the article and ultimately Hendley admits that high fructose corn syrup IS bad for us and she is in favor of eliminating HFCS from our diet. What has upset people is that she equates the dangers of HFCS to those of all other concentrated natural sugars. This of course is contentious. Anyone can find a mountain of evidence on the internet to contradict Hendley's assertion. Let's throw in another "But...". She does not specifically contradict any of the bad things we believe are associated with HFCS other than saying there are "metabolic studies" "that suggest" sugar and HFCS are broken down the same way and saying "a sugar is a sugar is a sugar". While misleading, it may be all she can do to actually warn us of the problems associated with HFCS. The other possibility is that all of the bad things we have heard and seen research reports about HFSC are wrong. I don't believe Ms. Hendley is stupid, but I do believe the bad things I have heard about HFSC. That leaves me believing the author has been unduly influenced.

Michael Polidori, Fayetteville, NC

This article is mostly inaccurate and relies on the old-school nutrition advice that says all calories are equal, all fat grams are equal, all sugars are equal. They are equal in a laboratory in controlled settings but in the human body, things are very different and the molecular structure of sugars, fats and proteins has a profound effect on the body. HFCS brings with it messages that block hormones which tell the brain how satiated you are with glucose. The end result is you don't ever feel satisfied even though you are taking more than enough calories to meet your demand. HFCS also raises blood pressure, increases cholesterol and creates a chain reaction within the body that is devastating to the metabolism. HFCS puts a measurable strain on the liver. You need your liver to be healthy to regulate your weight! Naturally structured sugars are all very different, where do they come from? Dates, Raisins, Honey, Brown Rice Syrup, Agave, Brown Sugar, Cane Juice, White Sugar -- all of these have different burn rates. Sugar from dates and raisins is surrounded by fiber, minerals and vitamins and will be better for your body than white processed sugar. White processed sugar, as evil as it is, does not do even 1/10 th the damage to your body as HFCS because it has not been altered and does not supress the release of vital hormones that tell you you are full. Smart and modern nutrition experts know that there are good fats and bad fats, and also know that carbohydrates can be classified. It's important to know the molecular structure and sources of your food, it makes huge difference to the celluar reality in your body, whether Eating Well believes it or not.

Kathryn, Granite Bay, CA

This is my first visit to Living Well. A patient of mine referred me to this site. I cannot believe that HFCS can be healthy in any way. I came to this site to look for recipes, in hopes of eating healthier. One of my goals is to eliminate HFCS from my diet, and I came to this site for help in doing that. I was shocked to see that the author considers HFCS the same as table sugar!

Vicki, Cary, NC

I too will have to disagree with this article. I spent nearly a year trying to figure out why I all the sudden had a problem with IBS. In that year I kept a log of foods and went through an elimination process to find out that softdrinks were the problem. Once I eleminated HFCS from my diet my IBS problems nearly vanished. I then decided to research HFCS and found out that insulin from the pancreas does not break down HFCS and the LIVER has to take on the daunting task of breaking it down. If you ingest more than your LIVER can handle then the excess is passed on to your intestines this sugar is then fermented in the intestines by bacteria which causes gas and bloating. The end result being diarrha. The gall of Manufacturers to assume this would not have a harmful effect on the liver and pass it on as a natural sugar is beyond me. For thousands of years humans have ingested "natrual (real) non-manufactured sugars that our bodies process naturally. To say that introducing HFCS into just about every product within the last 30 years and it is good for us is simply arrogance and it is all for the point of saving a buck. This is why many products have also come down in price or you get more for the buck - so to speak. 15 years ago you could buy a six pack of Pepsi for about 3 dollars. Today you can pick up a 12 pack of Pepsi for that same price. Have you ever heard of the cola wars? Well now you see the end result. Do some research folks.

KC, Kansas City, MO

I agree with most of the writers' comments that Ms. Hendley didn't do her research completely. HCFS is not the same as sugar. Sugar is a disaccharide requiring an enzyme to cleave the fructose and glucose molecules. HCFS is an industrial sweetener that is a mixture of glucose and fructose. I really become angry when representatives of the Corn Refiners Assoc. or the American Beverage Association say that the ratio of HFCS 55 (55% fructose: 45% glucose) is "approximately" the same as mother nature's sugar (50:50). If you do the math--55% fructose means that there is 12.2% extra fructose in each can of soda. And considering the average teenager chugs one or two cans a day, that is a lot of extra fructose the liver is being asked to handle with disastrous results. Increased tryglycerides, leading to heart disease; interference in the leptin/ghrelin signals leading to hyperinsulinemia, obesity, and Type II diabetes. Is anybody interested in starting a grassroots group to make this a public issue? As consumers we have the power of the dollar!

Cynthia Papierniak, Oak Park, IL

Cynthia: "Is anybody interested in starting a grassroots group to make this a public issue?" Absolutely, this is like the Opium War all over again.

John Freeland, Blissfield, MI

The author of this article is confusing two issues: yes, calorically speaking, a sugar may be a sugar, but I think the point of concern regarding HFCS is its chemically-altered state and the affect of that state on the human body. I won't pretend to be a nutritionist, I'm 'just a mom.' :) But I do know that when my son ingests HFCS he becomes hyper and his moods are all over the place. When I remove HFCS from my son's diet, his moods stabilize and he is great to be around. There's no coincidence; the HFCS was the only change I made to his diet.

Tammy G., Kent, OH

First, thank you all for a great discussion. I love the energy and enthusiasm that's rallied here. HFCS is a topic that clearly raises a lot of passion. There is also a great deal of misinformation out there.

As the editorial director of EatingWell I wanted to clarify a few points in our story that people are missing:

1) We are NOT endorsing HFCS. In fact, we ask people to moderate ALL their sugar intake.
2) Our stories are based on the latest science and vetted by leading nutrition professors and researchers at independent universities. We stand by the science and accuracy in this piece. Barry Popkin, Ph.D., the leading researcher who first criticized HFCS is quoted in our piece as having reversed his belief that it is the main source of obesity. He is the one who is quoted as saying "They all have the same caloric effects as sugar. I don’t care whether something contains concentrated fruit juice, brown sugar, honey or HFCS. The only better sweetener option is ‘none of the above.’”
3) The point the article sought to drive home is that HFCS is one of the easiest and most prevalent ways we overload on sugar but overloading on sugar in any form is bad.
4) Our editorial is in no way influenced by our advertisers. In fact, you may notice that several advertisers in the issue tout that their products are HFCS-free.

So please know that we are NOT in any way advocating the use of HFCS, but we are suggesting that sugar in all its forms should be limited. Also, please realize that many of the comments here are from personal experience and we all process foods differently.

Most of all though, we are thrilled that so many of you are discussing this topic and concerned about the overall intake of processed sugars of any form. We would love your continued input and suggestions for future stories.

All the best,

Lisa Gosselin, Editorial Director, EatingWell Media Group
lisa@eatingwell.com

Lisa Gosselin, Charlotte, VT

The important studies, that which are based on scientific evidence of the dangerous metabolic effects high fructose corn syrup has on the human body, are what we really should be paying attention to. These recent studies prove that HFCS consumption not only contributes to obesity, but has a direct link to Type 2 Diabetes. Can you disagree with science facts? Only if you want to, but I prefer to read those studies with imperical evidence and make an informed decision. The informed decision I've made is eliminating HFCS from my diet and telling everyone I know about the dangerous effects of it.

Jen, Tampa, FL

I'm amazed at all the comments! It SAYS, limit and or no sugar is the best alternative. Is everyone not reading the same article I am?

Lynn, Lexington, KY

I have read all of the above information and cannot believe that Eating Well Editorial Director continues to defend the position of the article. Research consistently indicates the impact of HFCS on the body's processing of food has many negative effects, apart from the chemical breakdown of HCFS as compared to simple sugar. I observe a defensive and somewhat placating retort by Ms. Gosselin from Eating Well, telling the readers that they missed something in the article. I would expect to see a second article that is not biased to one corner of the playing field evidenced by quotes. The only acceptable response for me, is to see acknowledgement by Eating Well that they missed the boat on this article and to print a less biased article.

Karen Sohr, Waterford, WI

Reed-Reimer's idea that HFCS is worse for dental health is wrong. Without sucrose, dental plaque cannot become thick. It is thick plaque that produces that acids that attacks teeth. If the plaque is thick, the sugars in HFCS (or anything else) *can* be broken down to acids. If the plaque is thin, very little acid is produced and most of that can be washed away by saliva.

Bill Darlington, Glasgow, UK

Being European living in America I find it very difficult to understand this obsession with anything about food anyway. Everything is extreme, either too thin or too fat, bad or good for you. Sugar was discovered/invented about 150 years ago, and then it was sold in apothecaries like salt, it was very valuable, and in Europe people still tell you that you should use sugar like you use salt. But... ice cream manufacturers that make Ice Cream for the US market always say they have to add another quarter or more sugar for your market because you like everything sweet. I think it is not the various types of sugar that make people fat, it is the amount of it. The poison of a substance is always in the amount... an old German saying. Go half on everything, and you will see it still tastes good. Stop thinking diet, and just eat smaller portions, then you can eat anything you like, stop the madness. Did you ever think about the legacy about eating and food that you are creating for your children?? Food is something to be thankful for, eat it and forget about it, and not teach children good and bad food, HFCS or not, if all of you letter writers here would take the time and demand from let's say Smuckers to stop using it, then maybe something will happen. YOU are the consumer and you CAN make a difference. Aloha and good luck to all.

Astrid, Honolulu, HI

Do you get headaches after eating? Check the labels for HFCS. If is says "sugar free" Check the label for nutra sweet a sweetner that is made from wood burning alcohol. Do a google research on these artifical sweetners then do a research on Stevia, AKA the herb sweet leaf. Then make your own informed decision.

Joy Andrews, Esccondido, CA

I am in agreement with Karen Sohr on this point. Just as I choose to avoid HCFS and other processed sugars in my diet, I may also choose to avoid publications, which argue for eating well while at the same time claiming little to no difference between raw/unrefined sugars and chemically processed HCFS. I am seriously considering canceling my subscription to this magazine.

Edward Burch, Austin, TX

One of the reasons I have always enjoyed Eating Well is its lack of reliance on processed foods, making foods from the more elemental building blocks of grains, vegetables, fruits, and meats. By doing just that you will naturally reduce your consumption of all sweeteners, natural and man-made and other processed food ingredients that provide no or negative nutritional benefit. To indict one ingredient for all of the food woes in our culture is short-sighted and alarmist. The next time you buy a carton of yogurt with fruit, look at the grams of sugar and think whether you need that yogurt to be that sweet, or if half the sugar would taste as good, or better. HCFS is sweet and cheap. Our government has high tariffs on imported sugar, raising the price of cane sugar well above the world market price. Therefore, HCFS becomes a more economically viable option for the makers of sweetened products. Most American consumers are ignorant of both the consequences of their dietary choices and the effects of government policies on them, but as long as a 6-pack of Coke is cheaper than a gallon of milk, what do you think their choice will be?

Ellen, Oakton, VA

After reading this article, I just wanted to comment we all have the final opportunity of choice. The author states her opinion or the facts as she has researched them, as you have all stated yours. All the processed food today is not the best option... but you have to evaluate the time you have for preparation, price, and how much risk you will take with your health. The best option (that I know) is organic from scratch... meaning raw first, and then cooking fresh produce that comes straight from our earth. There is probably no best option if you consume animal products, but you can reduce the risk by consuming ethically raised livestock or products from that livestock, with no artificial additives etc. or processing, including in their feed intake. Realistically though, few of us can support that option 100%... and even if we can, unless your lifestyle is one where you buy totally local organic we are still contributing to health risks due to the methods to transport food long distance. So ideally, you do the best you can. Myself, I try to eliminate HFSC, and limit my intact of any food items containing any other chemical additions, as well as highly processed foods. I also minimize sugar intake, but when used - do stick to the natural forms. I wish I can say it has helped me loose weight, but that isn’t the case. I do love Eating Well magazine and their newsletter, but I evaluate and make the final choice whether I will use their info or recipes as is, or adjust to meet my lifestyle.

Linda, Hamburg, PA

When i looked at the ingredients and saw high-fructose corn syrup and learned how bad it was for me i was amazed of what things have high-fructose corn syrup.

Rose, St. Paul, MN

So far no one has has commented on the fact that most of the corn used in manufacturing corn syrup and HFCS is GMO corn. This opens a new can of worms where our health is ignored by the FDA and the industrial food processors. As suggested by several writers, the only way to get the attention needed is to avoid all products that contain HFCS or any other objectionable ingredient. If it doesn't sell, it won't be made.

Jack, Naselle, WA

If the writer of this article read YOU: on a diet the writer would understand sugar is not sugar. I check-out my appetite response to HFCS and my response with hfcs was on point with the information in the book. It is harder to feel satiety with hfcs than without it.

Laura, Akron, OH

In reading all the above comments I have noticed that many people are concerned about "damage to internal organs" and have noted significant weight losses with removal of HFCS from their diet. As a Registered Dietitian who takes a very realistic approach to what is a feasible lifestyle for most people in today's world (not the angle of some fanatic health nut who suggests ideas that will never be implemented long-term), I have 2 things to say: 1) People often have a tendency to focus on the details... like being paranoid about every little bit of HFCS in their diet and exhaust themselves (as some mentioned above) trying to avoid a given ingredient for fear of negative health repercussions. Are these same people eating only whole grains and is their diet 75% of plant origin with ONLY minimal amounts of lean meats, and watching /limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg/day AND are they getting at least 30 minutes of activity daily? If you are not doing these things, then you are putting the cart before the horse. Focusing on a detail is pointless if you don't focus on the big picture. Once you have mastered these things (which we KNOW determine your longevity and quality of life, THEN you can focus on the "small stuff"). 2) HFCS is the equivalent of sugar. Unless you have a thorough understanding of biochemistry, don't believe everything you read in its explicit form. In nominal amounts it is no more or less healthy than regular sugar. They key is NOMINAL amounts... of any sugars OR sweeteners. If you are consuming a lot of foods that require ANY KIND of sweetener, then your weight and health issues are not related to the sweetener, they are related to inadequate whole grains and fruits and vegetables. You should not be consuming sweetened drinks period... you should be drinking plain water and small amounts of skim milk. You should be eating primarily fruits and vegetables that don't involve any sweetening at all and whole grains with the same idea. Obviously meat/fish don't require the sweeteners either. If you are drowning them in sweetened sauces, then you are obviously consuming high sodium as well... a much bigger concern. If you eat whole foods and you avoid processed foods... and you eat plenty of fiber (inherent in such foods... then satiety is controlled, weight is controlled, and the amount of any sweetener is so minimal it need not be a concern. You can't walk before you crawl.

Lisa, Richmond, VA

What surprises me is that everyone keeps calling granulated sugar "natural sugar." There's nothing natural about it. Read a book called "Sugar Blues" and you will understand.

Elizabeth, Raleigh, NC

Sugar of any kind, makes you want to eat more, so you gain weight.

Liz, Raleigh, NC

Sugar is not just sugar! HFCS is not dealt with in your body the same as natural sugar. Your liver has to deal with it just like a toxin. Do not eat it!!!

R. Hunt, Roseburg, OR

HFCS - takes CORN to be made. CORN takes petroleum products, as well as fertilizers (which create runoff into streams and lakes)... it also comes from a field that might not have other things on it the rest of the year - thus there is no carbon consumption from lets say pasturage... so - it's beyond comparing it to "sugar"... the root of the evil is that its 1-2 major privately held companies and the corn lobby keeping us in this crap - and a 1981 rule on sugar imports that also keeps us in it... lets cut corn consumption and better the world - in fact did you know that corn fed beef is worse for you than grass fed beef? King Corn - no....

Gary, Chicago, IL

I'm 31 years old. Was always as fit as can be. Still am. But for years, in my teens and early 20s, I lived on soda. Mountain Dew mostly. About 4-5 cans per day. At 25 years old, I was diagnosed with TYPE 1 DIABETES. No one else in my family has had diabetes. My pancreas has completely shut down and stopped producing insulin. This is irreversible and I now must inject myself with insulin before every meal. Coincidence? In fact, I'd really like to talk to a good lawyer about it… But I know I'd be wasting my time :( At least now I know to completely avoid the stuff. Too little too late.

Klip, Baltimore, MD

I recommend everyone rent the DVD called King Corn You are What You Eat. It was a real eye opener!

Elaine Cology, North Las Vegas, NV

HFCS is really bad for you, White sugar is really bad for you, but what are worse are artificial sweeteners. One brand that is made with sugar has chlorine attached (a toxin to the human body). It is supposed to keep the sugar from being absorbed, and works most of the time. However, when the body does mistake it for something to be absorbed, it absorbes the chlorine as well. (When chlorine is mixed with water the body doesn't absorb it in the same way). Another artificial sweetener is shown to increase homicidal tendencies. Your best bet is to stick with brown sugar and honey, the darker the better. I don't know their effects on diabetes and such, but honey does have anti-oxidents and other health benefits, many of which have not yet been evaluated by the FDA, but sound promising.

Katie, Bowling Green, OH

OKAY...SO it seems that most of us agree that HFCS, along with this article are nothing but CRAP! How do we change the ingredients that are being put into the food we eat? E-mail the companies and tell them that you demand them to stop using HFCS or they will continue to lose customers. Inform friends and family and anyone who will listen. Keep fighting!

S, N, CT

"A can of soda contains around nine teaspoons of sugar in the form of HFCS—but, from a biochemical standpoint, drinking that soda is no worse for you than sipping home-brewed iced tea that you’ve doctored with nine teaspoons of table sugar or an equivalent amount of honey." Who in the world sticks 9 teaspoons of sugar or honey in a 12 oz glass of tea??? Why would you want to put that into your body?

Amy, Steelton, PA

The worst of it is this: In baby/infant formulas the first ingredient is HFCS. 46%! Baby formula should be the purest of all foods, and they've poisoned and corrupted even that. All hail the Almighty dollar!

Chris, Scotch Plains, NJ

I read all these comments and I have to agree that HFCS is really BAD for your body. Please avoid it. Dont buy anything with it and also ignore the commercials coming out on television. This is really bad advertising and companies are getting desperate in selling more HFCS. Wake up and start eating healthier.

Jr, Highlands Ranch, CO

This is the last place I thought I'd ever find such a wishy-washy, nearly ambivalent stance on HFCS. Sure, its obvious (to me anyway) that the author of the article was trying to make the point that all sweetners should be limited, but it seems to suggest that they're all standing on level ground. And that's the problem I have with the article. I'm a brand new subscriber, haven't even gotten my first magazine yet (though I did buy a cookbook) and I'm seriously considering cancelling the subscription. I expected so much more out of this article, and have come to expect more out of the publicationin general, and I'm deeply disappointed.

Kelsey, Tampa, FL

I would think that HFCS along with any sugar natural or otherwise is not good in any significant proportion. I have read many articles and seen many opinions regarding HFCS and they have all indicted that this byproduct blocks and/or does not allow proper processing of hormones that trigger the sensation that you are full. The corn manufacturers have a huge lobby in Washington and this is one of the things that is wrong in Washington. The corn industry is heavily subsidized and they funnel large sums into Washington in exchange. This is one reason why we now have corn based ethanol which is horribly inefficient. It takes more energy to make ethanol from corn than it produces. Meanwhile we place heavy tariffs on ethanol from Brazil, an ally country, who makes ethanol cheaply and efficiently from sugar cane. Write your representative and tell them to stop supporting this lobby group against the interest of the American people. Get HFCS out of our food and get corn based ethanol out of our gas tanks.

Chad, Dallas, TX

I just re-read the info in WikiPedia about HFCS and refreshed my memory as to why I thought it was not a good idea. Apparently, it is not metabolized the same way as "regular" sugars, and can cause overeating and damage to internal systems of the body. I still don't trust it. And I am horrified to see the new commercials on TV sponsored by the Corn Council! They make the general public look dumb and are pushing the fact that their product is fine. I highly doubt that - I believe it is out there strictly for the profit.

Harriet, Wenonah, NJ

Wow! So many comments on this topic. Astrid, the European from Hawaii, makes some great points. LOVE the concept of using sugar like salt! I personally avoid high fructose corn syrup and all highly processed foods. Also corn syrup does not taste as good as cane sugar. However, I have to dissent from the crowd here. It just doesn't make sense that corn syrup (or rather high fructose corn syrup) is to blame for our obesity epidemic, or whatever else. There are so many other factors like lack of exercise, stress, portion size, and general lifestyle disregulation. The idea that the ratio of sucrose to fructose is to blame just doesn't make sense. I truly believe that if all packaged food contained cane sugar or rice syrup or whatever highly refined sugar instead of HFCS, we'd still be in the same boat. We need to focus on the big picture of eating smaller portions of whole foods. I think many of the studies are based on soda consumption, which we all know is not part of a healthy diet anyway, and doesn't apply to my life at least. As long as any sugar is cheap and plentiful we will still be facing the same problems unless major cultural shifts occur. Many commenters here mention studies that prove how bad corn syrup is. References? Would like to know which ones they mean. Also, I'm curious how people feel about HFCS vs. regular corn syrup and if they think regular corn syrup is okay. I wish these comments had dates so we could see if attitudes change over time (I'm posting 9/14/08). One more thought: if people want rage against something, I think the energy would be better spent exposing the unregulated supplements industry and our dependence on pills, be they pharmaceutical, herbal, or expensive placebos!

Dawn, Walnut Creek, CA

A chemical is a chemical-is a chemical! HFCS is just that, "a chemical" and stop adding it to our foods! I stopped buying products that contain HFCS. Take the time and buy healthy. 9/16/08

Debbi, Flower Mound, TX

Of course a study paid for by the Corn Refiners Association is going to say HFCS is a-okay! But I have read many studies (not paid for by anyone trying to profit from or promote the sale of HFCS) saying HFCS is not broken down by the body in the same fashion as other sweeteners. I am content with my decision to avoid foods containing HFCS (as well as regular corn syrup).

Carren, Sacramento, CA

Lets not forget that sugar and corn syrup create candida in the human body, which causes many problems. It's simple to go without sugar or artifical sweetners, I've been doing it for years, and don't miss it.

Toni, Dallas, TX

As with most sugars we should avoid it in large amounts and limit our intake quite a bit. I believe of all the sugars known to us high fructos corn syrup should be at the top of the list of sweeteners to limit. I dont think its responcible for the obesity "epidemic" but i do believe that we should start using more unaltered forms of sweeteners and start baking at home instead of buying processed stuff from the store.

Lily, Pearl River, NY

One reader raises a question regarding the efficacy of Dr. Popkin's research. "I would like to know who funded that research. I'm betting it's connected to the corn syrup industry in some way. Who pays for Barry Popkins research?" Rather than doing exactly what you accuse Eating Well of, you should check your facts. Your answer: The Pennington Biomedical Research foundation, based at Louisiana State University. Most often peer reviewed research states a funding source. The author of this article isn't endorsing consumption of HFCS, but pointing out all sweeteners should be limited. I agree with Dawn of Walnut Creek that rather than just saying it is bad, how about citing sources.

Dawn, Burlington, VT

I agree sugar is sugar is sugar. If I buy a non-diet drink I know I'm getting sugar, if I buy cake or cookies I know it will be loaded with sugar. When I buy a loaf of whole wheat bread I do not expect to find HFCS in the package.

CFiore, LaMesa, NM

But then how will i feel superior to others? HFCS has been my main reason for scanning labels. If i can't demonize it, who will i be?

katy killilea, Barrington, RI

Add me to the list of people who avoid HFCS as much as possible. It began when I saw the behavior changes that my son had after consuming HFCS. He was another child that had a "high" for a few hours followed by a HORRIBLE crash where he was completely out of control. I mentioned it to the doctor several times and he suggested avoiding it- well, um, I was already doing that. As soon as I realized how he reacted, I cut out almost all HFCS at home- it was just anytime he ate outside that he got it. After his last really bad reaction, I took him to a different doctor because mine wasn't available. He did some bloodwork and DS tested positive for a low-level corn allergy. Since then, I've cut all corn out of his diet completely and he is a different child. I definitely don't believe the corn commercial that it's the same as any other natural sugar. I would suggest that anyone who has a severe behavior change after being exposed to it consider getting tested for an allergy. One blood test has made a HUGE difference in my son's life.

Maria, Pearl River, NY

Disappointing to say the least that Eating Well is ignoring the numerous studies that show that HFCS does have adverse health effects... more so than regular cane sugar. Manufacturers use it because it is CHEAP. It does not taste the same. Since cutting it out of my diet 3 years ago, I found I can TASTE a difference in things like jams, even before I read the label... even regular corn syrup doesn't taste as good as plain old sugar. A few months ago while in TX I read in the paper about how farms in Mexico are now growing corn for cheap HFCS for American manufacturers so don't get the idea that by buying it we are supporting American farmers.

lorelei, Fairfax, VA

I think you need to do some more research. Sugar is a natural sweetner that is made from Cane which comes from the ground. How could you possibly think it's the same as HFCS? You should really research your topics more thoroughly before writing your articles.

Jennifer Chapkovich, Coatesville, PA

Don't forget that Eating Well also said that Splenda has absolutely no discernable ill effects. People who have suffered ill effects will tell you different. I think Eating Well magazine is a lot less reliable than many other sources regarding food safety. Next they'll probably tell us that MSG is just like salt. Ick!

Rebekah, Alexandria, VA

The corn used is GMO corn which is definitely bad for you and the Earth. It is also bad to rely so heavily on just a few foods. I thought Eating Well recommended eating many different foods, but when you don't purposely exclude many products containing such things as HFCS, your diet in this country will lack variety. Corn use is so high in commercially prepared foods.

Anonymous, Eugene, OR

Disappointing reporting from Eating Well. I believe that you should you should delve deeper into the science involving HFCS. There is nothing good about it, except the price, which after all is the most important factor in the food business. I expected more from you.

ann stock, Smithtown, NY

HFCS is not good for you. It was created back in the 70's when the government was helping to fund corn farmers due to the low price at market. They were able to create such a demand for HFCS that now it's a cheap sweetener that many companies use merely for cost reasons without concern for the health risks. I have found one ketchup brand that doesn't use HFCS and very few breads. Most Nabisco crackers have HFCS in them. Many juices have HFCS with the exceptions of Tree Top and Juicy Juice. Store bought bbq sauce uses it. My family's upset because I haven't bought bbq sauce more than once in the last year but because of my new vigilance I am not nearly as freaked out about them taking food out of the cupboard to eat. I've gotten to where I don't buy anything with HFCS--and as soon as I think to look on seemingly innocuous items (bread, ketchup, MUSTARD, jam, etc.) it gets replaced with a form that doesn't have HFCS. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that children are less active and families are more prone to eating out regularly either because it's cheaper or easier. My parents' group did a study in the East Bay (CA) and child hood obesity is their biggest concern as it should be--35% of 5th graders here are at least obese (Contra Costa County Health Department, 2007, I believe). Our findings were recently backed up by a larger survey conducted by the Healthy and Active B4 5 Initiative. Again it was stated that there was little physical exercise and much over eating, especially of poor quality food. More than just getting rid of HFCS we need to start getting our children out of the TV room and onto a play ground and start cooking healthier, quick meals at home--and there are a lot of choices for healthy and quick dinners out there now.

Melanie, Oakley, CA

I know that sugar is in almost in everything we eat or buy in the grocery store. We should read lables and stay away form sugar as much as possible . Change your sugar. Stay off the immatation sugar such as aspartum. A different sweetner is STIVIA , it is from Brazil and they have been using it for ever. The FDA will not let us sell it as a sweetner because it has food value in it. It actually is good for diabeties,it keeps the the sugar level down and it tast good and you can get it in almost any health food store. LOOK IN TO IT. Get some . Read the instructions . I only use 1/2 packet. It is about the same price as the equal, or other immatation sweetner. Stivia is a natural sweetner from the Stivia plant and is good for you. LOOK INTO IT. I believe it is the best choice. Stay away from your proscess sugars, and hidden sugar.

ALice, Spokane, WA

I too, cancelled my subscription. Who are the "Eating Well" folks catering to? Not those of us who truly want to eat well. If it's modified in a lab, it ain't food!

Alice, Oklahoma City, OK

I agree with most of the other comments - you seemed to gloss over this subject. You didn't even discuss the fact that most corn in this country is genetically modified. No one knows the long term effects of consuming genetically modified food. We shouldn't be growing corn for HFCS OR fuel. Why not use sugar for sugar? It must be cheaper to use HFCS or the food companies wouldn't be using it.

Sheri, Philadelphia, PA

Since my previous posting, I have moved from Austin to Taylor, and I have cancelled my subscription to Eating Well. This fast-and-loose twisting of scientific understanding was pretty much the final straw. Back to limiting my sugar intake and doing my best to keep HFCS out of my family's food supply.

Edward Burch, Taylor, TX

Nothing manufactured should be considered a positive item to on a food list. many of us thought it was a natural bi-product of a grain. I was told this week by a hospital employee that it is not digestible ? and the body does not know how to use it? SO IT REACTS TO IT AS FOREIGN MATTER IT HAS TO COMBAT!!!

evie, Indianapolis, IN

I thought this was a good informative article. Just one example of why I love your magazine and website. Keep up the good work.

Julie, Tempe, AZ

I agree with all of the comments about the insidiousness of HFCS in the diets of people who frequently eat processed non-organic foods. The ads are misleading when they state it is OK if eaten in moderation. Most consumers do not know anything about what is in their foods. I had to listen to the ads several times to catch the "in moderation." Also, the two individuals that appear concerned about HFCS do not say what is it that is wrong with HFCS and they appear to be ignorant about it. I'm surprised that the corn growers are launching this campaign. It's been reported that corn is very expensive because a lot of it is going into biofuels, so what's the beef. They should all go into biofuel production and forget about making our country sick.

carol, Mami, FL

I can't believe that HFCS can have any positive effects on anything. Being man made our bodies cannot digest this. I hope this campaign ends soon before people really do believe its good for them.

Merry Edwards, St. Joseph, MI

I avoid HFCS at all costs. I noticed a long time ago that when I ate any product that had HFCS in it, it would make me want to eat more of that product, until it was done. In other words, I couldn't stop eating it. When I eat an identical item, let's say bread, that has sugar instead of HFCS, I don't have that problem. You couldn't pay me to eat anything with HFCS in it. Let's face it, the reason manufacturers use HFCS is that it is cheaper.

Sue, Woodridge, IL

A chemical is a chemical, we have recently put our family on a Kosher diet, no chemicals, no preservitives, no additives, no HFCS, and no pork. My husband lost 30 pounds in 5 months and my wait which is the stubborn mid-life woman weight is coming off, I bought a subscription to this magazine because it makes excellent use of the products we now eat at every meal. Thank you.

Lisa, Overton, TX

I cannot BELIEVE the response to this article. WOW!!! I have found it interesting that, lately, there are commercials extolling the virtues of high frutose corn syrup. They try to make us believe that is is exactly the same as sugar. That is soooo far from the truth. There must be a VERY strong corn lobby or something. Don't let these greedy and lying people thwart the efforts to encourage people to AVOID this substance like the PLAGUE!! (i also wish these posts had dates on them - I am posting on Tuesday, Sept 16th)

beth, Ft Lauderdale, FL

Unfortunately, "a sugar is a sugar is a sugar" is misleading. In my organic chemistry course, we learned about the eight different sugar structures, most of which are either not metabolized in the body, or metabolized differently. Sorbitol (a sugar alcohol used as a diabetic sweetener) is one example. Also xylose (as xylitol) used in anti-cavity chewing gum. There are also mannose and rhamnose, both sugars which are differently metabolized. In addition, different sugars affect bacteria in the bowel differently, also having an effect on health. If someone could invent a cure for a sweet tooth, they would be doing mankind a favor and would make a fortune into the bargain.

99bonk, Thetford, VT

Astrid from Hawaii and Dawn from CA are making the most sense to me. I think some of the responses are too harsh on the Eating Well team. I don't feel that the article is endorsing the consumption of HFCS - far from it. Read the last 2 sentances. Congratulations to all of you who have chosen to change your eating habits, and in the process have lost weight and/or rectified reccurring health problems. I agree it can be difficult knowing what to buy, with so many food items having various nasty things in their ingredients that we now are told to avoid. But at least we CAN buy food - unlike others starving in various parts of the world. Eat as close to the natural, and unadulterated food source as much as you can, and drink water (also something in very little supply in some parts of the world). Consider yourselves lucky. You have a choice.

Kym, Manchester, UK

The problem with HFCS is that it is an ingredient in so many things you would not suspect--chicken broth, for instance. Having diabetes, I have to control my carb intake. So I have to read labels on everything I buy. Not knowing HFCS could become a life-threatening situation for me.

gloria, Memphis, TN

I'm so glad to see all the readers' comments because I too was disgusted by this article! Science Daily had an article in Aug 2007 stating that researchers had found NEW evidence linking HFCS to the development of diabetes, particularly in children. "In a laboratory study of commonly consumed carbonated beverages, the scientists found that drinks containing the syrup had high levels of reactive compounds that have been shown by others to have the potential to trigger cell and tissue damage that could cause the disease. Chi-Tang Ho, Ph.D., conducted chemical tests among 11 different carbonated soft drinks containing HFCS. He found 'astonishingly high' levels of reactive carbonyls in those beverages. These undesirable and highly-reactive compounds associated with "unbound" fructose and glucose molecules are believed to cause tissue damage, says Ho, a professor of food science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. By contrast, reactive carbonyls are not present in table sugar, whose fructose and glucose components are "bound" and chemically stable, the researcher notes." While I will agree with the article's premise that we should monitor ALL types of sugar intake, it is misleading to state "a sugar is a sugar is a sugar."

Renea, Charlottesville, VA

I've tried to regulate hfcs in my household for a few years now. It can be a costly decision. I do not appreciate the television ads telling my children that what I've been doing is nonsense. This is serious business. The more we resist buying it the better. As we all know the buck is the bottom line! What a shame and a sham.

wduf, Coxsackie, NY

Please, putting into google HFCS will not give you scientific facts. This is a great article and exemplifies that NOTHING is the cause of obesity- but EVERYTHING in combination is- you just have to moderate the combination and not avoid things like the plague. Just because there are a "million articles" on it, doesn't mean it is true.

nutrition expert, Australia, NS

6 years ago and 200 pound overweight, I gave up all food with HFCS and noticed my compulsion to overeat diminished. Next, I gave up all sugar I mean all sugar. My compulsion to overeat left me. 5 years sugar free and 200 pound lighter, I will never eat sugar again, not even a little. It is poison for me. I believe HFCS turns off the brains signal that you are full. I cannot stress enough, get rid of HFCS and your appetite will decrease. The bonus in not eating sugar, more energy than you now what to do with.

sally, Missoula, MT

Whether or not HFCS is harmful to my body is not the big issue to me. HFCS is harmful in that it promotes unsustainable support of the corn commodity system (especially GMO, chemically fertilized corn) that takes valuable farm acres that could be used for growing food and uses them for growing what amounts to a chemical feedstock.

Martin Smith, Madison, WI

I must add my name to the list of readers that disagree. While the body needs a certain amount of sugar, the type of sugar you ingest has different results in you body. Sure, the calories might be the same, but we are not talking about calories, we are talking about the bodies complex system of determining when you have had enough food. If all sugars are the same, why is our population exploding with obesity? I agree that breakfast doesn't cause lunch, but research does point a finger at HFCS.

Lee G. Phelps, MSW, Cottonwood, AZ

I wonder why we're having an obesity epidemic in this county? Could it be that we are becoming so dependent on modern technologies that we are now becoming a a lazy nation? Our children sit in front of computers and play games, you don't see many children playing outside and getting exercise anymore. Parents don't give their children chores to do, even small chores would help prevent them from sitting in front of a computer all the time. There is a time and place for that, but not all the time. So we blame fast food, sugar, artifical sweetners, HFCS, whatever. I don't think anyone really knows the answer to what causes obesity. Generics, is one, lifestyle another, and eating the wrong food ALL the time is a major factor. Everything in moderation so they say. These "studies" we hear about are nothing more than "studies" ..first one thing is good, oops, now another study is done and it's bad. People will believe anything they're told! If tomorrow, HFCS is said to be healthy ..all the people that said it wasn't will run out and buy anything that has HFCS in it. So be it..that's the human race. There are more chemical additives in our food beside HFCS than we know or don't know of..depending on what we're told, and I'm sure we're not told everything. We're all going to leave this earth some day, HCFS the cause, or not!!!

Beverly, Green Creek, NC

Concentrated sugars being a source of calories is a small point when it comes to corn syrup and chemically processed sweeteners. Corn Syrup is literally the waste product of GMO (Genetically Modified) corn that not only contaminates the body but the environment. It's also important to consider the mineral content of unrefined quality sweeteners like unrefined whole cane sugar and raw organic honey. Minerals such as iron, present in whole sugar cane, are not available in high fructose corn syrup that has been genetically engineered.

Tricia, Vancouver, BC

I'm disappointed in the carefree attitude of your article. NO food that is "processed" is the same as a food in its natural form. If people are wondering why there are epidemics of different cancers, sudden trends in children hitting puberty at absurdly early ages, lumps and hardened lymph nodes everywhere - - a huge portion of this can be traced to our commercial food supply. Problem is, diet is SO vastly different from one person to the next, its practically impossible to isolate one or two causes. Basic rule of thumb, do things as natural as you can and you will reap the rewards!

Cindy S., WPB, FL

I do not kid myself that sugar of any sort should not be prevalent in my diet. However I am human, and when I get the occasional urge for a sweet treat I will not put garbage like HFCS in my body. Why have we as a society not yet learned that whenever we mess with mother nature (i.e. extremely processed foods.....trans fat anyone?) that NO GOOD EVER COMES OF IT?????

jo, Phoenixville, PA

Our bull got in the corn field the other day and of course ate the corn. HUMMM He not only stiffened up he could barely move and swelled up, so do you think that maybe it could be the starch that turns to sugar that made that happen. Stiffened joints after eating starches and or sugars (carbs). Dont think I will take a change on the corn thing.

Trish, Florence, AL

Last year I learned that I had developed a food allergy to corn. This was due primarily to an over exposure of corn in my diet. I eat healthfully--my doctor did not have a problem with my diet other than the food that I ate contained so much corn/HFCS. As I started avoiding corn, corn syrup, HFCS, I started to realize how prevalent it is in the food system. It is in everything…yogurt, crackers, sour cream, ketchup, mayo…just about anything processed. It is nearly impossible to avoid. Once I started avoiding corn and its derivative I started feeling better, had more energy and lost weight. I fully believe that politics and big business have gotten into our food supply with subsidies which promote an over abundance of corn which then has to be put into food products to use up the supply. I say get corn out of our food supply unless it is corn on the cob. Let us go back to eating less processed food with less HFCS in it we will all be better for it.

Jaime Walker, Vail, CO

Stevia is not approved by the FDA. And I do beleive it is linked to reproductive health issues, especially in women. Not exactly the best alternative. Plus, it tastes just awful.

Mort, Los Angeles, CA

Let's face it. HFCS contains chemicals. The body does not know what to do with these chemicals and in turn makes people sick E.G. Irritable Bowel syndrome. Do not use any food with HFCS listed in the ingredients!

Jonathan, Lakeland, FL

I recently gave my $5.00 worth to sweet surprise about "in moderation". The use of it in a sweetener or texturizer as some companies put it, in SOME things is may be acceptable to some, just like suger or honey. However if one goes through each grocery isle I am guessing about 90% of prepacked/prepared foods that are not fresh produce or meat have it. I mean come on does a package of hamburger helper flavoring need corn syrup solids? Does a box of dehrydated potatoe mix need it? If we made these items from scratch I guarantee you most folk would not add. I am not against it being used in CERTAIN products. I am against it being used the MAJORITY of everything we ingest on a daily basis. That I think is the real point the HFCS industry is missing. If I eat/drink something with HFCS I feel a huge difference in the way my body feels,bloated and toxified with my IBS flaring up. When drink or consume products with unrefined sugar or stevia I do not get that way at all. I like many folks do not believe that hokey pokey corn syrup commercial crap. I make everything I can from scratch so I know exactly what goes into it. If I buy prepacked stuff I take care to check the ingredients. The food companies need to wisen up and listen to the public. After all the public is what keeps them in business. If folks stop buying their product or demands are made to remove something's got to give somewhere. Or at least one would hope they would have the sense to listen to those whose money pays their salaries. And for Sandy in Annandale, Stevia is a plant actually, that is 30 times sweeter than sugar. It comes in powder or liquid form & is extremely potent. It is recommened by nutritionist for diabetics and kids with ADHD or other disorders because it does not raise blood sugar levels in the body like traditional sweetners do. It can be used in baking and cooking as sugar substitute. There are some cookbooks that have finally come out on the market specifically for using Stevia. I have used this for years as sweetener for my coffee for years now. It can be picked up at any health food store.

Mindy, Raytown, MO

I've been involved with the manufacturing of stainless tank trailer for the transportation of liquid foods and chemicals for 30 plus years. There was a transition period from refined sugar to HFCS back in the early 80's by food manufactureres. Both products were transported in stainless food grade tank trailers and both would pit stainless steel and cause chloride/stress corrosion in stainless steel. The common denominator in both products is that they were processed with a chlorine. When this product was exposed to warm water and not flushed and air dried, it would combine with the water, the warm environment and create HCL which would eat holes in stainless steel. I can't see how this is good for my body and have shied away from soda's since learning about this.

Steve, Arlington, TX

For me, where you went wrong was the comment, "a sugar is a sugar is a sugar." How can that be accurate? Doesn't each sugar have a different make-up (mostly) processed by man? Why does sugar have so many different names? Our ancestors were from all over the world - our bodies are so complex. How can we process sugars (foods) the same? (ESPECIALLY HFCS!) Now, this is my logic talking here. If corn syrup was processed, then wouldn't HF corn syrup be processed twice? Isn't that further away from it's original state? I can honestly say, when I eat yogurt with HFCS, I get to the bottom in seconds-ready for more. I have found and eaten yogurt without the ingredient and ate it much slower and even questioned myself if I should finish it or put it back in the frig. Difference? The 1st-I didn't think. I ate. The 2nd? I had a conversation with my self and my body. I DO feel HFCS is bad for the body long-term. And that's exactly what it's been here in the U.S. There IS something very cool about our products though. All these DIFFERENT sugars are on the labels. We have a choice. And no, HFCS is not the only reason for obesity, but it sure is complicating the situation! - By the way, if HFCS is 50-55% fructose and table sugar is 50% fructose...what is the rest of the make-up? (I found one more question! If the HFCS's "process is much more complex and results in a different chemical structure" than the CS, doesn't that suggest that WE would process it differently in our bodies?)

Gin F., Citrus Heights, CA

The problem isn't that one sugar is worse for you than the other. I'd say the problem is that the corn industry gets huge subsidies to pour HFCS in things we normally would not add sugar too. It not only affects our health, but affects our economy and foreign trade relations. Who puts 9 teaspoons of sugar in their tee?

Sebastian, Tucson, AZ

Do not use high fructose corn syrup. It is found in nearly everything. Go back to basic cooking, it could save you your lifE!!

Stella Rose, Hyndman, PA

Where is EatingWell's response?

Danny, Lakewood, NJ

My understanding is that fructose, naturally found in plants, but now found processed and added to many foods, is metabolized differently than other kinds of sugar. It is metabolized in the liver, and this produced consequences not associated with eating other sugars. Fructose in its natural state occurs, for example, in fruit, and of course when we eat fruit, we get not only its sugars but lots of fiber, which slows down metabolism and does not spike blood sugar. Eating any food or nutrient taken out of its natural context and processed so it can be added to other processed ingredients means taking a risk that its effect on us will be completely different and possibly detrimental.

Amy, Boston, MA

It appears possibly 80% of your readers disagree with your stats. Have you taken a better look at the overall studies to see who paid for them? Hmmm?

Jenifer, Cutler Bay, FL

Yes, and I remember when margarine was considered healthier than butter and eggs were considered the main cause of heart disease. Keep the foods whole, unprocessed and close to the source.

Sandra, Merritt Island, FL

Astrid from Honolulu, HI has it right. Our cakes and everything else are sweeter than the Asian or European versions and we are manic about ourselves, our looks and what is good or bad. In the end we just die from old age and did not enjoy life because of our obsessions.

maria, West Covina, CA

I'm a diabetic and have had problems with inconsistant blood glucose readings for several years. About a year ago I read about the prevalance of HFCS in our foods. On a hunch I went through my kitchen and eliminated 95% of the processed foods in it. This resulted in an almost complete absence of HFCS in my diet....and I learned how to cook from scratch. I am now in control of my diabetes, with an A1C of 6.0 and no more excessive swings in blood gluclose readings. Whether this is a direct result of eliminating HFCS or just cooking and eating lower on thc food chain cannot be determined...but there is a strong suggestion that eliminating HFCS was a major factor. And I feel sooooo muc better.

Peggy, Sun Valley, NV

Drink a Pepsi soda from europe made with sugar and you don't want another. Drink a Pepsi from the US, and another, and another. It's great for business.... Eh? People used to think it's great because it 's sweeter by weight and doesn't raise blood sugar levels..... of course your brain is never satiated. My father died of liver cancer and pointed his finger at this HFCS. Read how it stresses your liver.

Alexander, St. Petersburg, FL

I think the thing that bothers me the most is the number of items that you find HFCS. I should not have to try so hard to avoid it. If I am buying donuts or sugary cereals, then yes, I know it is there and I made the choice to eat something bad for me, but when it is in my bran flakes, my whole grain english muffins, etc? I mean come on, if I attempt to choose a seemingly healthy item then I shouldnt have to worry which ones have HFCS in them. It really upsets me that the food dist believe that if their product isn't sweet then it isn't any good.

R Gimple, Knoxville, TN

The article makes a final statement to limit all sugar intake within the diet. Surprisingly, a few folks who posted got severe indigestion and are now going to cancel their subscription to Eating Well. It is sadly apparent that those few folks didn't take the time to read the entire article.

L. Sawicki, Tucson, AZ

Even before reading this article... I knew I had a bad reaction to corn syrup. I would get very angry after eating anything with corn syrup. Even regular corn gave be a bad reaction. I completely agree with this... It makes you insane. Ask my Family.

Lori, Beryl, UT

It never ceases to amaze me, what the drug companies (who own the food companies) will do to push their disease causing ingredients on us...I am delighted to see so many people are getting wise, and fighting back. I don't buy anything that contains high-fructose (and or glucose). Haven't in years, so that eliminates a lot of items from my grocery cart...But I know I am so much healthier for it.

A.Y., Edmonton, AB

Well, I read every single comment so far. Delighted to find out that noone is falling for this ad campaign. You don't find the Honey Association having to defend itself on national television. I think most people would agree that all sweeteners should be used in moderation. However, some are not just sweeteners. They are poisons. Masquerading as sweeteners. The more processed a product is, the worse it is for you. Period. HFCS is highly refined GMO'd CRAP! The Corn Refiner's Association just wants you to think calorically and forget about all of the other atrocities it's product causes. The article obviously is lacking in researcher's opinions and must think the public is stupid, just like in the ads. I mean really, 9 teaspoons of sugar in a glass of iced tea?? i'm glad I don't have a subscription for this magazine.

Brandy, Charlottesville, VA

If all sugars are the same, how come my 88-year-old mother was diagnosed by a gastroenterologist recently as being fructose intolerant? She cannot digest HFCS or natural fructose such as that found in corn, tomatoes, most other fruits, honey, and etc.. Fructose causes her bowels to be out of control. After we eliminated it from her diet, the symptoms all but disappeared. Her doctor obviously thinks that all sugars are not the same and her experience shows that they are not. Anecdotally, I believe that her exposure to HFCS in processed and restaurant foods over a long period of time has made her generally intolerant of fructose. It would be interesting to study this link.

Adele, Andover, NJ

Very well said, Ms. Hendley. I fully concur: Less sugar (from any source, organic or not) = better!

Lee, Newfield, NJ

Are you being or the "Nutritionists" who did this study being paid by the big Pharmaceutical Companies along with the Corn Refineries Association? Sugar is not just sugar when it is not real! If it has been altered at all it may react chemically within in your body(since it is chemically altered) that is not natural. I believe your body does not recognize it as a normal sugar therefore does not process the same! By the way anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. How about talking to a knowledgable dietician who is registered and certified to know about food, or a naturapathic Doctor who deals with food allergies due to the crap that is being added to our foods. Eating Well? I thought you were about health, I guess I was wrong!

Gina, New Lenox, IL

These new commercials that portray High Fructose Corn Syrup in a good light, saying it's ok in moderation, crack me right up. "In moderation" you say? How will I do that when practically everything that you consume in the American diet has HFCS in it? Not to mention the term "natural" is not highly regulated. There are very few things these days that wouldn't be considered "natural". Heck, heroine and weed are natural too. Aren't they?

Justine, WB, PA

I realized over a year ago that I am allergic to corn. I Lost 30lbs and stopped getting sinus infections after I eliminated corn, including HFCS, from my diet. All people are allergic to either corn, dairy, or wheat, yet many do not know this because our bodies are used to fighting the imflamation on a daily basis. Even if a person is not allergic to corn, chemically made products from corn have become a main staple in just about anything that is labled as a "convienience" food. As Americans we are literally eating corn everyday in most foods we eat. From bread, to cottage cheese, to mayonasise. Too much of one thing is too much! Corn as a vegitable form is not bad for you, it contains vitamins and minerals that the body needs. The chemically made corn additives do not have the vitamins and minerals that the vegitable corn has. We are eating chemicals instead of whole food. HFCS is only one part of the equation. The bottom line is money. We buy cheap food and the manufacturers make it cheaply, but benefit from the profit, because we buy for convienience and don't take time to make whole foods meals for ourselves on a regular basis. If we want to fight back we buy locally as possible and start making breakfast, lunch and dinner on our own. That's how we gain control of our weight issue and our wallets!

Carrie, Nashville, TN

I have always considered the Eating Well magazine to have pretty good nutrition advice and healthy recipes. These comments that you made about HFCS are a big step backwards from the quality information that we typically receive from you. I hope you do further research and correct these statements. Did the corn association pay you to print this???

Angela, Parker, CO

Dear Ms. Gosselin, I appreciate that you attempted to defend the Eating Well piece in your response above, but let's be honest here - Eating Well DID NOT take the position that most readers would expect them to take as a leader in the eating healthy movement. Your magazine is called "Eating Well" not "Eating Compromises". There is plenty of research to contradict much of what was in the article, but I do not need any research to convince me that eating locally harvested raw honey - packed with B vitamins and natual immune boosters - is the same as adding HFCS which is NOT local, NOT organic, most likely loaded with pesticides from GMO crops with agricultural practices that damage the environment to be comperable products. Should we all watch our total sugar intake? Absolutely. Should we ever put HFCS or any of its chemical cousins in our mouths? Absolutely not. I beg you to take a stand about optimal health. I highly recommend that you make Michael Pollen's book, Omnivore's Dilemma, required reading for your staff.

Maureen Wheeler, Charlotte, VT

What about the skyrocketing rates of Juvenile Diabetes? What about the fact that they add HFCS to things that aren't supposed to be sweet, then add salt to "balance" the flavor. The use of ads to manipulate people into thinking that something bad for you is good and natural is ridiculous. Whats next- LARD it's just like olive oil!

Lela Simon, Delmar, DE

I would like to defend Eating Well. After years of reading, I can say this certainly wasn't my favorite article, but I know they were not endorsing HFCS. Many readers saw the "sugar is a sugar" line and got so mad they missed the point. I believe that the main point was that you can't go around adding "natural sugars" to everything and think it's fine and safe. It would be like switching from margarine back to butter because it's more natural, than slathering everything with butter because butter is natural. I avoid HFCS simply because it is in everything. If that is my rule as I go food shopping, it forces me to check ALL the labels. While I'm looking for HFCS, I end up seeing more info than just that. Besides that, my diet ends up being more limited so I end up eating less garbage in general. I cook more often and I'm less lazy when it's time for dinner. It's an easy rule, and I see a difference in how I feel, my skin, my hair, everything. I can understand the frustration in the comments above, but if you really want to know the details, spend an hour on the internet and don't expect one magazine to answer all of your questions in three paragraphs.

Anonymous, Port Washington, NY

I have a corn allergy too, and when I'm doing well avoiding it in any form, I pretty much have to make everything myself or do without certain things. I just checked my favorite brand 100% whole wheat light bread. It does not have HFCS but lists these sugars: molasses, fructose, brown sugar, dextrose and glucose (the glucose might be from corn). The same brand sourdough english muffins does contain HFCS. Rats! I will finish what I have but not buy any more. Back to making my own bread I guess. Thanks all for reminding me to pay attention. I also don't agree that processed sugars are the same as more complex ones. My layperson studies have shown that they are processed differently in the body.

Kim, Reno, NV

I find it exceedingly difficult to find items with no sugar added to them. I am of the belief too much sugar of any kind is what is making Americans fat, not any specific type of sugar. Try and buy a box of cereal with no sugar of any kind -- there are limited items. I am capable of adding sugar to my food (or salt) if I so desire.

Susan, Charlottesville, VA

I'm really tired of wasting money on what appear to be healthy food products (cold cereal, breads, natural appearing items) only to find they are so heavily sweetened and HFSC is there. Most times below the top five ingredients and they are still so sweet. I have to dump them and that does not help on my food bill. Adult cereals sweetened, why???????? It's hard to tell if the cereal would be good without the sweeteners, they are so prevalent.

Dona, Lyndon, VT

Lisa Gosslin's attempt to rectify this mess is like John McCain's having to go back and defend "The Fundamentals of the Economy are Strong." She's claiming that readers are misunderstanding, and that all they're trying to say is that ALL sugars should be reduced? Baloney. The headline that drew me to this article is "Is High Furctose Corn Syrup Bad for You?" Not "is all sugar something we should reduce" of "Is it to blame for obesity" The Editorial Director can backpedal all she wants. The fact is, the title of the article asks if HFCS is bad for you, and the article's conslusion is that No, it's no worse than regular sugar. Anyone who reads knows this is false. There has been more than one researcher studying this, and aside from the one man she quotes, the rest have documented connections between HFCS and ADHD, metabolic sybdrome, diabetes (as it destroys pancreatic tissue, which sugar doesn't) etc. We all know HFCS is bad for you. To try to convince people otherwise is ridiculous. I just unsubscribed from this e-newsletter. I don't need mis-information from sources who obviously don't know how to check theirs.

Annie Melton, Medford, OR

I certainly don't plan to cancel my subscription anytime soon. I just love this magazine. However I am very glad and applaud everybody for not falling for the "in moderation" add put out by the Corn Association. As hard as it is I too scrutinize everything I buy that is prepacked or premade. If it has HFCS then it does not go into the cart. I fully believe our bodies metabolize this differently than the unaltered sweeteners such as sugar and honey. HFCS may the same calories the other sweeteners do but how we process it makes a huge difference. For example when if I drink a soda with HFCS in it. I want another one 2 hours later and I my body feels yucky after drinking it. However when I drink a soda say from Whole Foods that is produced with cane sugar. My sweet tooth is satisfied and I don't want one for a long time. I don't have that yucky feeling at all. I believe the corn association is missing the point us consumers are trying to make. STOP using it in everything we ingest, we DO NOT want it there. Why does a jar of mayo. a bottle of McLawrys liquid marinade, pickle relish, ice cream, bread loaves and so and so forth need that in it? I recently email Kellog's and told them I would never buy their Smart Start again? Why well, first sweetener listed is HFCS. (they told me is was for "texture reasons") It also has sugar, honey, molasses and another sweetener I think. HMM 4-5 sweeteners for a box of cereal. At my local Walmart supercenter I can pay almost the same price for a box of Kashi Whole grain cereals with one maybe 2 sweetners. Well my mind is definately made up at this point. So kudos to all who have kicked the HFCS products out the door. For those who haven't try it out and see how much better you feel. Even do something simple as the soda test above that I did. And for those who think making stuff from scratch intimdating well if have not been shown how it can be. But it is very simple to do and not as scary as you think, just takes practice on some things. Yes it may be time consuming making stuff from scratch. But you know what, the rewards and satisfaction from it are far more long lasting. Not to mention you know exactly what you are putting in your food. I learned from my grandmother and mother by george, I will teach it to my children too. For my last parting advice I highly recommened folks email their opinions at www.sweetsurprise.com. For those who don't know this the corn association website promoting HFCS. The more emails they get the more they see us consumers are not be fooled or trifled with.

Melinda, Lees Summit, MO

Doesn't look like you need my 2 bits worth, after all the negative imput that I agree with, but I am terribly disappointed in this article, I tend to trust the articles from the mags that I most read, and just the printing of an article such as this is a resounding slap in the face, printing the article to me is the same as endorsing the idea. The idea is dead wrong, and as a well read publication, that also makes you wrong in my eyes. I certainly will weigh with much heft any further article that you print. Too bad.

Sheila, Whitefish, MT

The only thing that makes a little sense with Barry Popkin, Ph.D. is no sugar is best, because it is man made. But As a diabetic I found through a study I did. With a low blood sugar of around 60mg/dl I drank a 12oz. can of Coke with HFCS and my sugar went as high as 400mg/dl within an hour. Another day I had a low blood sugar of 58mg/dl and I decided to have a organic 12oz. can of fruit juice soda with pure cane sugar and I noticed my glucose level within the hour only got up to 218mg/dl. That is about 1/2 less toxic to a diabetic and the rest of the population. As a child if you give them more sugar they get hyper active, but as adults shigh doses of sugar can tire you. As a diabetic this not only can tire you as an adult, but the higher your sugar the hungrier you can become and the more sugar anybody consumes the more likely chance your pancreas will start to break down and you can end up with type 1 or tupe 2 diabetes, because the pancrease just can't handle the overdose of sugars. The best sugars out there are Honey, maple syrup, cane sugar from nature, & stevia balance, but sugars like these still need to be in low consumption, , whereas all the processed non organic foods are definately bad as I have seen changing to organic foods has kept my glucose levels much better controlled. "No HFCS"

Jim Madore, East Hartford, CT

WOW!!!! I didn't know all of you were Doctors!!

Mac, Charlotte, NC

Well, I am a diabetic, and my sugars always spike higher and faster whenever I eat something sweetened with HFCS as compared to something that contains table sugar, so ... I avoid almost everything that contains HFCS. I find it interesting in the article above how it mentions that drinking a can of soda (I am assuming that the 12 ounce can is referenced here,) made with HFCS, would be just the same as if you would put nine teaspoons of sugar in iced tea and drank that (most iced tea glasses hold between 8 and 12 ounces of liquid) ... well, case in point ... who in the world would put nine teaspoons of sugar in their glass of iced tea?!!!?!!!? OMG!!! That is just disgusting!!! So, you see ... if you like sweetened drinks, and like iced tead, drink that with the usual one to three teaspoons of sugar that most people put in their iced tea, and leave the sodas with their nine teaspoons of HFCS per can at the store!!!!! And, yes ... HFCS seems to be in just about everything ... including good ol' Corn Flakes!!!! I only eat Quaker Oats (the old fashioned rolled oats, not that nasty, packaged, microwaveable stuff, which is loaded with HFCS, and is ground so finely that it really is a paste, so you are not getting the fiber benefits everyone believes they are getting ... and I also eat grits and cream of wheat as well, and Grape Nuts ... these are just about the only "cereals" left that don't contain HFCS. They don't make my sugars spike, and they are

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