High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
The question

Is High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) safe in candy?

AvoidCandy

Highly refined corn-derived sweetener with a higher fructose content than table sugar. Linked to metabolic dysfunction, fatty liver, and obesity at habitual intake levels.

What the research flags

  • Linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — research suggests excess fructose is metabolized primarily in the liver
  • Associated with insulin resistance and increased visceral fat [inference]
  • Elevates uric acid levels, which may contribute to gout and metabolic syndrome
  • Potential contamination with trace mercury from manufacturing

Other candy ingredients on file

Sources & references

  1. [1]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · ref 22351714
  2. [2]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov · ref 20047139
  3. [3]
    Peer-reviewedPubMed / NCBI — PMC2991323

Research disclaimer: Ratings reflect peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments available at the time of publication, not the dose or formulation of any specific candy product. This is not medical advice.