This from Dr Steve Novella, neurosurgeon in the US, founding member of New England Skeptics Society. Does he have a "barrow" to push? Yes he does. His barrow is attempting to prove real vs pseudoscience. (note: not accusing anyone of pseudoscience in this debate)
http://theness.com/neurologicablog/i...yman/#more-568
In particular, note the following:
Simple chemistry helps put HFCS into some perspective. Table sugar is sucrose, which is a combination of fructose and glucose – two common simple sugars. Corn syrup is mainly glucose, but HFCS is manufactured to have about 50% fructose and 50% glucose – the same ratio as sucrose or table sugar.
There are metabolic differences between fructose and glucose. Often studies showing that pure fructose can alter sugar and fat metabolism are presented as evidence against HFCS,
missing the point that the ratio of fructose to glucose in the American diet has not changed with the introduction of HFCS.
A recent review of the literature published in the Journal of Nutrition, regarding the association of HFCS and obesity, concluded:
The panel concluded that evidence from ecological studies linking HFCS consumption with rising BMI rates is unreliable. Unlike some prominent epidemiologists, the expert panel concluded that the evidence from epidemiologic studies and randomized controlled trials is inconclusive. They also noted that there were inadequate data available that distinguish between HFCS consumption and sucrose consumption with respect to weight gain. Further, they acknowledged that while the sweetener level and type have changed over time, the fructose:glucose ratio in the U.S. food supply has remained the same for 50 y. Finally, the panel concluded that HCFS did not contribute to weight gain any differently than other energy sources.
An interesting debate and unfortunately one that we mere mortals cannot conclusively put to bed.
However, I really think that these final two paragraphs of Steve's are the most pertinent:
The bottom line is that HFCS is sugar. It is high calorie and has no other nutritional value other than as fuel. It should be consumed, like all sugars, in moderation. People should be aware that HFCS = sugar, and not be confused by this on food labeling.
But we will not impact the rise in obesity by treating HFCS as the culprit, or by replacing it with other sugar-based sweeteners. We need more evidence-based public health measures to fight obesity – making healthy choices easier, making portion control easier, and disclosing calories on menus so that people know how many calories they are consuming. We don’t need boogeyman scare tactics.
Regards
Stuart