High Fructose Corn Syrup & Irritable Bowel Syndrome

There has been much debate over the bodily effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a widespread refined sweetener. Because it's a pervasive ingredient that's known to effect hunger hormones, it has been accused of contributing to America's obesity epidemic. Now there's public speculation that HFCS is a major trigger for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

High Fructose Corn Syrup

• HFCS is a processed sugar substitute that is synthesized by converting glucose into fructose. Since it is cheaper than honey or cane and beet sugars, manufacturers commonly use it to sweeten foods.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal upset, pain, discomfort and erratic bowel movements. IBS is typically managed with dietary restrictions, but medication can be prescribed in extreme cases.

Side Effects of Fructose

• Fructose has been observed to cause gastrointestinal issues. Since fructose is typically consumed in larger amounts than the body can digest, it can remain unprocessed in the GI tract and create abdominal distress like gas and bloating.

Research

• In a controlled experiment, healthy people and IBS patients were administered large doses of fructose and HFCS. Since both groups tolerated HFCS better, the results dispute the link between HFCS and IBS.

Conclusion

• Given the dietary sensitivity of IBS patients, they may be more vulnerable to the gastrointestinal side effects of fructose. However, there is no evidence to suggest that HFCS is a significant dietary trigger of IBS.