Negative Effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup on the Human Body Essay

The Negative Effects of High Fructose Corn Syrup on the Human Body Excluding Obesity, Diabetes and Kidney Failure Abstract: This research paper investigates the effects of high fructose corn syrup on the body without discussing obesity and diabetes. While obesity and diabetes are two major consequences of an unhealthy consumption of high fructose corn syrup, they tell only a fraction of the story. Many of the lesser-known effects of high fructose corn syrup are the result of a trickle down effect. When high fructose corn syrup changes the balance of nutrients, it also can lead problems with vitamin and mineral deficiency. The most noticeable effects of high fructose corn syrup include problems with the liver disease, heart failure, minerals, osteoporosis, micronutrients, accelerated aging, and copper deficiency. One of the organs that is most affected by high fructose corn syrup is the liver. High fructose corn syrup is composed of 55 percent fructose and 45 percent glucose. This differs from table sugar which is 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose. Researchers have found that high fructose has the same effect on the liver as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. As fructose is absorbed by the second part of the small intestine, the jejunum, the liver has the task of converting the fructose to triglycerides which is easier than converting glucose into triglycerides. Elevated levels of triglycerides lead to an increased risk of heart disease. A study conducted by the University of Minnesota published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000 concluded that "men, but not in women, fructose â€Å"yielded significantly higher blood levels" than did glucose. The researchers found that "diets high in added fructose may b... ...06, from Osteoporosis: A debilitating disease that can be prevented and treated. Web site: http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/index.htm (2006, July 30). American Heart Association. Retrieved July 30, 2006, from Understanding Heart Failure Web site: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1593 Beyer , PL, Caviar, EM, & McCallum, RW Fructose intake at current levels in the United States may cause gastrointestinal distress in normal adults. PubMed, Retrieved July 23, Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16183355&query_hl=2&itool=pubmed_docsum. Sanda, Bill (2004, February 19). The Double Danger of High fructose Corn Syrup. Retrieved July 24, 2006, from The Double Danger of High Fructose Corn Syrup Web site: http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html Squires, Sally Sweet but Not So Innocent. (2003, March 11). The Washington Post, p. HE01.