April 7, 2009--About 63 percent of the US population is overweight or obese, according to the CDC. While there are many contributing factors, the ingredients that make up our diet, including food additives, are important. One common food additive is high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The sweetener was introduced to the United States in the 1970s. HFCS is made from corn and is used to enhance the flavor of foods and provide moisture. It also preserves food freshness. High-fructose corn syrup is in many food and beverage products including baked goods, yogurt, beverages, sodas, breakfast bars, energy bars, granola bars, spaghetti sauces, ketchup, and other condiments.

Critics of HFCS say that there is a direct correlation between increased consumption and increased obesity rates in the United States. Other parties, specifically the Corn Refiner’s Association, say that HFCS has received a bad reputation and is perfectly healthy. Several facts about HFCS support the claim that HFCS is a healthy and natural substance. High-fructose corn syrup does not contain any artificial ingredients and meets the Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines for use of the term “natural” on products containing HFCS. High-fructose corn syrup is metabolized by the body the same way as other sweeteners, such as those used in beverages containing sugar or low-fat milk. It also contains the same amount of calories per serving as sugar (four calories per gram).

Leslie E. Carter, RD, LD/N, says that including a small amount of HFCS in your diet is safe. “Try to incorporate a variety of raw fruits and vegetables into your diet, as well as lean protein choices. Learning proper portion sizes will assist in avoiding excessive amounts of HFCS. Excessive eating may have a negative impact on your health and weight. Portion control, healthy food choices, and eating foods containing high amounts sugar (or HFCS) in moderation are crucial to optimal health,” she said. People who are concerned about their diets may want to begin reading nutrition labels and recording what they eat in a food diary. “Keeping track of what you eat is a great first step at determining if you are eating a healthy balanced diet,” Carter suggests. Carter also believes that consuming an increased amount of HFCS alone does not cause diabetes or weight gain. “Physical inactivity, obesity, aging, and family history can contribute to a greater risk of developing diabetes”, Carter comments. For overweight or obese individuals looking to lose weight, “I highly recommend seeking a weight loss program that includes trained medical staff and a Registered Dietitian. Physician-supervised weight loss is not only fast and effective, but you can be sure the program is customized to meet your needs,” she said.

Leslie E. Carter is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist, certified in Adult Weight Management. Carter has over eight years of experience as a dietitian in the health care field. She has worked as a clinical dietitian, clinical nutrition manager, and a public health nutritionist. Currently Carter is the corporate dietitian for |medi|, a physician-supervised weight loss program with more than 60 locations nationwide. As a Registered Dietitian, she is an active member of the American Dietetic Association, Florida Dietetic Association, and the ADA Weight Management Practice Group. She also serves as the President of the Tampa Dietetic Association. Leslie can be contacted for comments and interviews at 813-228-6334.

For more information on how |medi| is helping patients lose weight across the country, please visit http://www.mediweightlossclinics.com.

Sources: 1. Foreyt, John P. & White, John S. (2006). Ten Myths About High-Fructose Corn Syrup. 96. Retrieved from Food Technology database 2. Corn Refiners Association. Questions & Answers About High Fructose Corn Syrup. Retrieved on February 1, 2009 from http://www.HFCSfacts.com