Fructose is included in food in many forms, but namely in the form of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This sweetener is present in a plethora of processed food and drink, from soda and syrup to candy and cookies. Although consumers are generally aware that HFCS is “unhealthy,” it is connected to more serious health implications. This is true for all consumers, not just those with autism or ADHD.
Studies have shown that intake of high fructose corn syrup can lead to memory dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and liver disease, to name a few. Shockingly, one study demonstrated that metabolic disorders can develop in the absence of obesity! A diet filled with HFCS may not induce weight gain in your child, but it can cause him or her to develop serious metabolic dysregulation issues. Another study examined the effect of HFCS (through sugar-sweetened beverages) on memory. Juvenile and adolescent rats were given sugary beverages until they reached adulthood. At that point, they were not given any additional sugary beverages and were put through several memory tests. The results strongly suggested that exposure to HFCS at a young age had severe detrimental effects on memory function in adulthood. It had no effect on body weight, which concurred with the previously mentioned study. Overall, high fructose corn syrup is BAD NEWS.
The video link below leads to a talk given by Dr. Lustig of University of San Francisco on the Bitter Truth of Sugar and Fructose. It’s a long one, but contains some important and sobering points about what we feed ourselves and our families.
Here is some other interesting research into autism and High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) suggesting the mineral depletion it causes can lead to autism.
What can you do? Take some time to stop and think about what you are putting in your body and your children’s bodies. Cut back on or eliminate high fructose corn syrup from your diet. This will have both immediate and long-term positive effects on your family’s overall health and well-being.
This article talks about the hypothesis of High Fructose Corn Syrup and Autism.
If you want to learn more about the effects of high fructose corn syrup, other toxins in your environment, or healthy alternatives for your entire family, we are here to help. Check out our Empowered Library for more resources.