Meta-analyses of the Effect of Sucrose Versus High Fructose Corn Syrup on Cardiometabolic Risk
The Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation
University of Toronto

      The rise in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) consumption over the past 40 years since its
      introduction as a popular sweetener in the United States has led to much concern regarding
      its contribution to the rise in obesity (1), diabetes (2) and related cardiometabolic
      disorders (3).Unlike sucrose which contains equal proportions of fructose and glucose bound
      by an α-glycosidic bond, HFCS contains 42-55% of fructose to glucose in a free (unbound) form
      (4). Despite these differences in composition, both sugars possess identical energy
      contribution on a gram to gram basis (4). However, the higher ratio of fructose to glucose in
      HFCS has led to the hypothesis that HFCS may uniquely contribute to cardiometabolic risk,
      more so than sucrose, through proposed differences in fructose metabolism, endocrine and
      hedonic properties (5). We will conduct a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to
      assess the role of HFCS versus sucrose under energy matched (isocaloric) conditions on
      cardiometabolic risk.
    
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