(Added Fructose: A Principal Driver of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Consequences)
WASHINGTON, DC – Calories from added fructose at normal consumption levels do not pose a unique risk for diabetes. Furthermore, it is highly uncommon for fructose to be consumed by itself. It is typically consumed in combination with glucose. The researchers attempt to support their claim largely from in vitro studies, animal studies and human studies feeding pure fructose at unrealistic levels.
High fructose corn syrup-55 contains 55% fructose consistent with the figure in its name. The 65% fructose claim is not correct and was disproven in a recent paper that the authors failed to cite. The researchers who made the incorrect claim used methodology that was shown to be inappropriate for high fructose corn syrup.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies animal-based studies as having low evidentiary value and has concluded that consuming sugar/HFCS in moderate amounts is safe for humans.
Attempts to demonize one food or ingredient only serve to confuse consumers and make it more difficult for people to make appropriate diet choices.
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, ethanol, starch, bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein and fiber.