Confused about what you are hearing about high fructose corn syrup?

You’re not alone. To help clear up confusion, I wanted to summarize a recent presentation by sweetener expert, Dr. John White, Ph.D., regarding High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) presented at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo on September 25, 2011. Dr. John White is president and founder of WHITE Technical Research, an international consulting firm located in Argenta, Ill, that has served the food and beverage industry since 1994. Dr. White is one of the foremost experts in fructose and HFCS.

There seems to be a steady stream of news reports attempting to implicate HFCS as the magic bullet in causing the obesity epidemic in America, in addition to diabetes and other diseases. Many of these reports are based on poorly constructed experiments, as there is no evidence to support the hypothesis that added sugars are the cause for the obesity epidemic. Obesity is much more complex than this hypothesis. Many people are consuming an excess of total calories, not only from sugar, but also from fats and oils and grains in their diets, thereby increasing their risk for obesity. People are also less active than they were 40 plus years ago.

Dr. White encourages consumers to be aware of the research behind each study they may encounter. Knowing what to look for in the design of a study can help consumers, scientists, health professionals, and the media evaluate whether new research is pertinent or pointless. In the below video, Dr. White provides you with tips on what to look for when evaluating scientific research. http://vimeo.com/34906239.

As a dietitian working with children and adults, my motto for fueling is “80-20.” Eighty percent of the time I encourage people to choose nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats, as they provide an array of vitamins and minerals for optimal health and performance. For the remaining 20 percent, I believe people should feel comfortable enjoying the foods and drinks they love, including those with added sugars.

My motto remains the same for HFCS or low- and no-calorie sweeteners: moderation. Science tells us that HFCS is metabolized by the body in the same way as sugar.

I currently serve as a consultant to the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), but my statements and opinions are my own.

You can see the full presentation at http://vimeo.com/34958933