Corn syrup is a common ingredient found in many processed foods and drinks, including baby formulas. It is a sweetener made from corn starch and contains no nutritional value. Some experts claim that corn syrup can be harmful to babies and children due to its high glycemic index and lack of nutrients. However, there is still debate whether corn syrup does pose health risks or if it can be safely consumed in moderation. This article will examine the arguments on both sides of this issue.
What is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is made from cornstarch that has been broken down into glucose molecules by enzymes or acids. There are two main types of corn syrup:
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
HFCS is the most common type used today. It is made by converting some of the glucose in corn syrup into another sugar called fructose. This makes it sweeter than regular corn syrup. HFCS comes in different ratios of fructose to glucose, including HFCS 42 (42% fructose), HFCS 55 (55% fructose) and HFCS 90 (90% fructose).
Corn Syrup
Regular corn syrup does not contain any fructose. It is 100% glucose. It tends to be thinner and less sweet than HFCS.
Both types of corn syrup are used as sweeteners in processed foods and drinks. They add sweetness without altering the food’s texture or chemical structure. This makes corn syrup an appealing choice for manufacturers.
Some baby formulas contain corn syrup or HFCS as a carbohydrate source. The sweet taste can make formulas more palatable to infants. Corn syrup also acts as a thickener to give the right consistency.
Arguments That Corn Syrup is Harmful to Babies
Here are some key arguments made by those who believe corn syrup may be harmful for babies:
Nutritionally Inferior to Breastmilk or Formula
Breastmilk and standard infant formulas contain carbohydrates in the form of lactose, which provides nutritional benefits. Lactose aids calcium absorption and supports healthy gut bacteria. In contrast, corn syrup only provides empty calories without any additional nutrition. Some experts argue babies should avoid corn syrup during the first 12 months when their nutritional needs are highest.
May Contribute to Childhood Obesity
With its high glycemic index, corn syrup causes rapid spikes in blood sugar compared to other carbohydrates. Eating high glycemic foods early in life can program children’s bodies to become more prone to fat storage and weight gain. This may explain why obesity rates have risen as corn syrup consumption has increased.
Linked to Fatty Liver Disease
There is some evidence linking heavy intake of high fructose corn syrup to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This condition used to be rare in children but is becoming more common parallel to the rise in childhood obesity. More research is needed, but some doctors recommend limiting HFCS consumption as a precaution.
May Contain Contaminants
In the production of corn syrup, caustic acids are used to break down cornstarch at high heats. Some claim this process can also generate contaminants like formaldehyde and chloropropanols. There are still no regulated safety limits on these contaminants in corn syrup. Consuming unknown levels of contaminants may pose health risks.
Lack of Long-Term Studies on Safety
High fructose corn syrup and processed baby foods made with corn syrup have only been common in diets for the past few decades. Critics argue there have not been enough long-term studies looking at the lifelong health effects of corn syrup consumption starting in infancy. Potential risks are still unknown.
Arguments That Corn Syrup is Safe for Babies
Here are the key arguments made by those who believe corn syrup is safe for babies and children:
Approved by Health Authorities
The FDA considers corn syrup and HFCS safe for consumption by babies and children. These ingredients are allowed in baby formulas and other products marketed towards infants. If any serious health risks existed, these products would not have been approved.
No Definitive Link to Adverse Effects
Despite claims about potential harms, there is no solid scientific evidence directly linking corn syrup to obesity, fatty liver disease or other health issues in babies. Correlation does not equal causation. More rigorous research is needed to determine if corn syrup is the direct cause of any adverse effects.
Easily Digested Carbohydrate Source
Corn syrup provides a readily digestible source of glucose that gives babies quick energy. This can be preferable to more complex carbohydrates. There is no proof it is any worse than other sugars or carbohydrates when consumed in moderation.
Does Not Cause Sugar Highs and Crashes
While corn syrup has a high glycemic index, it does not cause the same energy peaks and valleys seen with pure sugars like sucrose. Infant formulas containing corn syrup provide steady energy.
Small Amounts are Used in Products
The amount of corn syrup used in baby formulas and foods is very low. Consumption from these sources is unlikely to reach levels that could potentially cause harm. There is no need to fear ingredients consumed in such small quantities.
Alternative Sweeteners
If you want to avoid giving your baby corn syrup, here are some alternative sweeteners:
Lactose
Lactose is milk sugar naturally found in breastmilk and dairy products. It provides sweetness along with nutritional benefits.
Fruit Juice Concentrates
Fruit juice concentrates like apple or pear add sweetness without the drawbacks of corn syrup. There is less processing involved compared to HFCS.
Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup is made by breaking down brown rice starch. It has a mild flavor and does not spike blood sugar as drastically as corn syrup.
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup is an all-natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and minerals. It has a lower glycemic index than corn syrup.
Honey
Honey should not be fed to infants under 12 months due to botulism risk. But for older toddlers, it provides sweetness and health benefits. Be sure to use pasteurized honey.
Tips for Limiting Corn Syrup
Here are some tips for limiting your baby’s corn syrup intake:
Breastfeed When Possible
Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition and contains no corn syrup. Breastfeeding provides health benefits that extend well beyond infancy.
Check Labels on Baby Foods and Formulas
Choose products without corn syrup or HFCS on the ingredients list. Be aware that it can also be listed as “glucose/fructose” or simply “fructose”.
Make Your Own Baby Food
Homemade purees let you control ingredients. You can provide fruits or veggies without any added sweeteners.
Avoid Juice and Sweetened Drinks
Even 100% fruit juice contains high levels of naturally occurring sugars. And sugary drinks like soda have no place in a baby’s diet. Offer plain water instead.
Limit Processed Snack Foods
Convenience snacks like crackers, cereal bars and puffs often contain corn syrup or HFCS. Read labels and choose healthier snack options when possible.
Conclusion
There is still some debate over whether corn syrup is truly harmful to babies. But many health experts recommend limiting intake as a precaution, especially during the first year of rapid growth and development. While small amounts found in some baby formulas and foods are unlikely to cause harm, heavy consumption may potentially impact health and weight. Breastfeeding, making homemade foods, and reading labels can help reduce your baby’s corn syrup consumption. More long-term research is still needed to fully understand the lifelong effects of eating corn syrup starting in infancy. But parents can make informed choices by looking at arguments on both sides of this issue.
