An isotopic method for quantifying sweeteners derived from corn and sugar cane.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• High-fructose corn syrup and cane sugar consumption are linked to obesity and diabetes epidemics.
• Currently, no reliable biomarker exists to track intake of these sweeteners.
• Understanding sweetener consumption is crucial for public health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the natural abundance stable-carbon-isotope signature of common plant-derived foods.
• To establish a baseline for differentiating corn- and sugar cane-derived ingredients.
• To explore a novel method for assessing dietary intake of specific sweeteners.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of approximately 100 plant-derived food products from local grocery stores.
• Measurement of 13C (carbon-13) to 12C (carbon-12) isotope ratios using stable-isotope mass spectrometry.
• Characterization of the natural abundance stable-carbon-isotope profiles of various foods.

Main Results:

• Distinct carbon-isotope signatures were identified for corn- and sugar cane-derived foods.
• Foods rich in high-fructose corn syrup exhibited a specific range of 13C/12C ratios.
• The study successfully differentiated between sweeteners based on their isotopic composition.

Conclusions:

• A novel technique utilizing stable-carbon-isotope profiles can estimate human consumption of corn- and sugar cane-sweetened foods.
• Measuring isotope ratios in human tissues or blood offers an objective assessment of dietary intake.
• This method presents new opportunities for studying diet-disease relationships, particularly concerning obesity and diabetes.