Recent Study Finds High-Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury

If you’ve recently had a “healthy” snack such as yogurt, or perhaps some bottled juice, then you’ve probably ingested high-fructose corn syrup. This popular sweetener is found in a number of packaged foods and drinks, and even some children’s vitamins. High-fructose corn syrup has come under fire in the past for its negative health benefits, but now there might be another reason to avoid it: a recent study found that many forms of high-fructose corn syrup contain evidence of mercury.

What is High-Fructose Corn Syrup?
High-fructose corn syrup describes any corn syrup that contains high levels of fructose due to enzymatic processing. As consumers become more and more aware of the detrimental effects of consuming too much sugar, manufacturers have sought an alternative. They found it in high-fructose corn syrup. Today, it is used as a sweetener in many soft drinks, yogurts, and snack foods.

The Mercury Connection
A recently study found that many forms of high-fructose corn syrup contain mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal that usually exists in its liquid state at room temperature. Consumption of even small amounts of mercury can lead to mercury poisoning. The symptoms of this condition are impairment of the senses such as sight and hearing, inability to coordinate movement, and a “disturbed” sensation.

While most of the ill effects of mercury consumption can be reversed, children are particularly susceptible to its effects. This poses a problem because high-fructose corn syrup is often used in snacks, many of which are geared towards children. Consumption of mercury during the childhood years can cause developmental problems and may result in a condition known as Young’s Syndrome.

How to Keep Yourself Safe
Until the Food and Drug Administration conducts investigations into the claims made by this study, you should steer clear of products containing high-fructose corn syrup. Every product must display a list of ingredients on its packaging, and you will be able to tell if high-fructose corn syrup was used in its production. For the moment, your best course of action is to avoid any and all foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup.

Just One Source of Many
While the claims of mercury being present in high-fructose corn syrup are serious, you should be careful not to blow the situation out of proportion either. Many studies have been conducted that show unhealthy levels of mercury in the waters of the seas and rivers worldwide. This mercury comes from waste water dumped into waterways by unscrupulous manufacturers.

The mercury enters the bodies of the fish and other marine creatures that inhabit these waters. It accumulates there, and is transferred to you when you eat those creatures. Fish is the primary source of mercury consumption, and the levels of mercury in fish probably far exceed those found in high-fructose corn syrup.

It would still be prudent to avoid high-fructose corn syrup, however, as you would not want to add more mercury to that which you already consume in your daily diet. Now would be a good time to start giving up those unhealthy snack foods and sugared drinks. Instead, try including more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, and drinking water or tea. These beverages and foods are natural and whole, and are much less likely to contain harmful substances such as mercury.

If you normally consume large amounts of snacks and sugared drinks, you should keep an eye out for any of the possible symptoms of mercury poisoning. If you suspect that you might have mercury poisoning, you should see your doctor immediately.