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Does consumption of high-fructose corn syrup beverages cause obesity in children?

R E Morgan1

  • 1School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. morganruthe@gmail.com

Pediatric Obesity
|May 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in beverages is linked to rising childhood obesity. Current research shows inconclusive evidence definitively connecting HFCS consumption to obesity in children, despite some studies suggesting a link.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity rates have increased significantly since the 1970s.
  • Increased consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) beverages coincides with this rise.
  • Healthcare providers suspect HFCS beverages contribute to childhood obesity and associated health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the scientific evidence linking HFCS-sweetened beverages to childhood obesity.
  • To determine if HFCS consumption is a causal factor or contributor to pediatric obesity.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) from 2006-2012.
  • Six eligible studies were identified and analyzed: four systematic reviews and two meta-analyses.
  • Study eligibility was based on relevance to HFCS, sweetened beverages, and childhood obesity.

Main Results:

  • Two systematic reviews found no association between HFCS beverage consumption and childhood obesity.
  • Two other systematic reviews suggested potential links between HFCS and pediatric obesity.
  • Meta-analyses indicated that HFCS beverages may contribute to childhood obesity, with reduced intake potentially aiding obesity decrease.

Conclusions:

  • The available scientific research presents inconclusive evidence regarding a definitive link between HFCS and childhood obesity.
  • While some studies suggest a contribution, others find no relationship, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Keywords:
Childhood obesityhigh-fructose corn syrupsoda consumptionsugar-sweetened beverages

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