It sometimes seems that the people of my generation were in a way fortunate we missed the wave of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) that is such a big part of the modern diet. While we consumed huge amounts of junk food and soda pop, most of it was sweetened with sugar, and HFCS had yet to really appear on the scene.

Today, that is not the case. HFCS is increasingly prevalent in the foods we eat, and is a prominent component in what has come to be known as the Western diet, which is characterized by foods that contain lots of fat and salt, and are sweet, often through the use of HFCS. Along with these unhealthy eating choices, we are witnessing a huge increase in chronic health problems that include obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

What role HFCS plays in all this is the subject of passionate debate, with both sides presenting valid arguments for and against the use of HFCS. Now, however, new research in animal models out of Princeton University has revealed that the consumption of HFCS resulted in a significantly greater weight increase when compared to sugar, even when the overall intake of calories was relatively equal.

Furthermore, over the long term, consumption of HFCS led to the creation of more body fat, especially in the abdomen, as well as triglyceride levels in the blood. The findings, published in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, suggest that, at least under the experimental conditions, HFCS is not the same as sugar in terms of metabolism and overall health. The implications could influence how HFCS is regarded in the ongoing health crisis.

In the study in question, animals were divided into two groups: one was given water sweetened with sugar, and another group was given water sweetened with HFCS. The level of sugar in the water was comparable to that which is found in soft drinks, while the level of HFCS was half of what is found in soft drinks. They were all given the same diet in terms of food and monitored for the long term effects of their diet.

What researchers observed was that when fed diets rich in HFCS, the animals displayed symptoms that were analogous metabolic syndrome in humans. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by abnormal weight gain, high serum triglycerides, and an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen. Metabolic syndrome is in fact a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

According the study, the consumption of HFCS led to a 48% greater weight gain than those with a regular diet, an increase that is the equivalent of a 200 pound male gaining 96 pounds. While the consumption of HFCS is the key difference, further studies need to be done to gain a better understanding of the physiology and genetics behind the discrepancy. Nonetheless, the data is compelling, and may point to differences in how HFCS is metabolized by the body.

This, in turn, could have profound consequences on nutritional recommendations and public health policy, especially in light of the fact that it has been estimated that the average American consumes 60 pounds of the sweetener every year.

If you have questions or concerns about HFCS, consult with your physician or a nutritional expert, and practice greater eating awareness. Read labels and know what is in your food. For more information about metabolic syndrome, visit the website for the American Heart Association.