Experts lay to rest long-held misconceptions about high fructose corn syrup

The American Medical Association in June 2008 helped put to rest a common misunderstanding about high fructose corn syrup and obesity, stating that "high fructose syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners."

Studies testing pure fructose at levels not seen in the typical diet are simply misleading in terms of understanding the metabolism of high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup never contains fructose alone. Rather, just like sugar, high fructose corn syrup is comprised of roughly equivalent amounts of fructose and glucose.

It is a case of mistaken identity between two sweeteners. High fructose corn syrup is not high in fructose, but rather has roughly half fructose and half glucose, just like sugar - therefore, it should come as no surprise that high fructose corn syrup and sugar are metabolized the same way in our bodies.