Fructose Confusion
By: J. JUSTIN WILSON
Newspaper: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
By: J. JUSTIN WILSON
Newspaper: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Post-Gazette was incorrect in writing that the human body processes high
fructose corn syrup differently from table sugar ("What's in a Name?" Oct. 9 editorial).
The American Medical Association stated in 2008 that corn sugar and table sugar
have a similar composition, "particularly on absorption by the body." The
American Dietetic Association, along with a staggering number of nutritionists,
says the two sugars are nutritionally equivalent.
The scientific studies the Post-Gazette mentioned examined pure fructose, not
high fructose corn syrup. (High fructose corn syrup is only about 50 percent
fructose, which is the same amount as table sugar.)
Getting "high fructose corn syrup" confused with "fructose" is an easy mistake
to make. But this was the basis on which the Post-Gazette concluded that
renaming high fructose corn syrup to "corn sugar" would dupe consumers. On the
contrary, it would appear that the Post-Gazette, along with countless consumers,
was duped.
