Comments on: High-fructose corn syrup follies

By: Jerry Robinson

Jerry Robinson — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 20:59:47 +0000

I’d be interested in your comments re: elevated C-Reactive Protein associated with elevated cholestrol and a somewhat high blood pressure. About a week ago I went into the Phase I intervention and have already seen a significant drop in blood pressure, and I’m sure the cholestrol will follow. Haven’t had any more lab work done so don’t know what is happening or what to expect re: CRP. I’m 71, in otherwise good health, and am about 10-15 pounds over my target weight as calculated per Protein Power. Enjoy your books and these discussions.

By: Mark Levin

Mark Levin — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 13:23:51 +0000

There is still some question (in my mind at least) as to whether the increase in obesity rates is due to increased fructose consumption or whether it is due to increase sweetener consumption or a combination of the two. It is a fairly small difference (between sugar and high fructose corn syrup) in absolute percent.
However it is a more significant difference of 10% in relative terms. As to the study, there are several other problems beside the limited time frame and age of the participants. They didn’t measure triglycerides which is also considered a major effect of excess fructose consumption. Also cholesterol levels weren’t measured. Again, one would expect an increase in LDL and a decrease in HDL. Finally, by allowing subjects to eat ‘ad libitum’, (I interpret this as whatever they want) it is unclear if what they ate on the second day skewed the results, i.e. did the ‘control subjects’ satisfy their craving for a sweet fizzy beverage after being denied for a whole day. A food diary would have helped. A crossover design switching test subjects and controls would be better. All in all a quick and dirty study that should not have been allowed to be presented without better study design. As always, thanks for your time and attention.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 01:06:57 +0000

Thanks. That’s really scary. High fructose corn syrup is (I believe) that worst sugar you can put into your body. I avoid it as much as possible – which on a low-carb diet isn’t all that hard.