Rutgers University Soda Study links High Fructose Corn Syrup to Diabetes

A recent study preformed by Chi-Tang Ho, P.h.D., at Rutgers University found extremely high levels of reactive carbonyls in 11 different carbonated soft drinks made with high fructose corn syrup. He estimates that one can of your favorite soft drink could contain five times the amount of reactive carbonyls than what would be typically found in the blood of an adult with diabetes, blood that would contain elevated levels of reactive carbonyls as a complication of the disease.

Unbound reactive carbonyls are dangerous as they are thought to cause tissue damage, unlike bound and chemically stable fructose and glucose components found in refined sugar. Published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study claims that High Fructose Corn Syrup laden soft drinks, when consumed in high doses, leads to the development of diabetes.

“People consume too much high-fructose corn syrup in this country,” says Ho. “It’s in way too many food and drink products and there’s growing evidence that it’s bad for you.”

I have compiled a list of resources for anyone interested in learning more on the subject:

Kate Hopkins does a thorough job of defining and explaining the molecular status of high fructose corn syrup and why it is so controversial. Information is listed in a series of posts that date back to June 2005. She also lists several products with the ingredient for those that may want to avoid exposure.

For a more up to the minute video broadcast, check out the NBC video report about the Rutgers University High Fructose Corn Syrup and Diabetes study.

Another good article about the subject can be found on the following NBC news site: “Study Links Diabetes and High Fructose Corn Syrup Found in Soda“.

Tags: Carbonated Soft Drink, Diabetes, HFCS, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Reactive Carbonyl, Refined Sugar, Rutgers University, Soda, Soft Drink

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Meet the Author

Caryn Talty

The editor of Healthy-family.org has a master's degree in English from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor of science degree in special education. She has taught students from early elementary school through college freshman level. Today she enjoys reading and writing about both hot topics and those not so commonly discussed on other websites. Most of her days are spent playing all kinds of make-believe with her three very young and active sons. | All articles by Caryn Talty.

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