[Estimation of the consumption frequency of high glucose corn syrup by patients with hypertension]

Hypertension is a major health problem in modern times, due to its high prevalence. This is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which are the main cause of death in developed countries. The component of prevention and non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension is a proper diet. More and more often an adequate supply of sugars in the diet is emphasized. In recent years particular attention was paid to the consumption of HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), which is present in many processed foods. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of consumption of HFCS products among patients with hypertension.

The study involved 108 people diagnosed with hypertension, who attended to the Hypertensive Clinic in Krakow. The study was conducted in the form of Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) of 24 selected beverages and solid products, which are a source of HFCS. In addition, the survey included 6 questions about nutrition knowledge on HFCS. The examination took place from October 2014. to March 2015.

The vast majority of patients indicated consumption of products with HFSC. The most popular products proved to be sweets (especially chocolate bars, wafers) and fruit drinks and nectars. Frequent consumption of cola drinks was also observed, which were more often chosen by men than women. Younger respondents (<55 years old) more often than respondents over 55. years old chose sweets. At the same time our survey indicated unsatisfactory level of nutritional knowledge on HFCS among patients.

The consumption of HFCS in patients with hypertension is common, at low knowledge of its harmful effects on health. Therefore there is apparent need for dietary education of patients with hypertension in this area.