Scientists continue to confirm that high fructose corn syrup is no different from other sweeteners. It is essentially the same as table sugar and honey, and has the same number of calories.

No credible research has demonstrated that high fructose corn syrup affects calorie control (feeling of fullness) differently than sugar.

Please see the three studies below, two of which were done on the feeling of fullness and one which looks at the circulating levels of glucose, leptin, insulin, and ghrelin.

Kathleen J. Melanson, et al., at the University of Rhode Island reviewed the effects of HFCS and sugar on circulating levels of glucose, leptin, insulin and ghrelin in a study group of lean women. The study found “no differences in the metabolic effects” of HFCS and sugar. (Melanson KJ, Zukley L, Lowndes J, Nguyen V, Angelopoulos TJ, Rippe JM. 2007. Effects of high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose consumption on circulating glucose, insulin, leptin, and ghrelin and on appetite in normal-weight women. Nutrition 23(2):103-112. http://www.sweetsurprise.com/sites/default/files/MelansonNutritionFeb2007.pdf)

Timothy H. Moran, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, reviewed research on fructose-containing sweeteners and their impact on feelings of fullness (satiety). He noted that results were dependent on a variety of factors ranging from how the sweeteners were administered to the timing of hunger measurements. Dr. Moran concluded, “On balance, the case for fructose being less satiating than glucose or high fructose corn syrup being less satiating than sucrose is not compelling.” (Moran T. 2009. Fructose and Satiety. Journal of Nutrition 139(6): 1253S-1256S. http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/139/6/1253S)

A study by Pablo Monsivais, et al., at the University of Washington found that beverages sweetened with sugar and high fructose corn syrup, as well as 1% milk, all have similar effects on feelings of fullness. (Monsivais P, Perrigue MM, Drewnowski A. 2007. Sugars and satiety: does the type of sweetener make a difference? Am J Clin Nutr. 86(1):116-123. http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/86/1/116)

As many dietitians agree, all sugars should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.

There’s a lot of solid research and information at http://www.SweetSurprise.com

Audrae Erickson, Corn Refiners Association