CAMA Disputes Link Between Obesity and High-fructose Corn Syrup
By Hugh C. McBride
The American Medical Association says that one of the commonly assumed causes of obesity may not be as villainous as some people have been led to believe.
A news release posted on the AMA website says that delegates to the organization's annual policy-making meeting have approved a resolution noting that there is no scientific evidence linking high-fructose corn syrup with the steady increase in obesity rates in recent decades.
The release, which says that high-fructose corn syrup does not appear to be more dangerous than any other caloric sweeteners, advocates moderation when including the substance in one's diet, and also calls for additional research into the matter.
"At this time, there is insufficient evidence to restrict the use of high fructose corn syrup or label products that contain it with a warning," AMA board member Dr. William Dolan said in the release. "We do recommend consumers limit the amount of all added caloric sweeteners to no more than 32 grams of sugar daily based on a 2,000 calorie diet in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans."
On its website, the Corn Refiners Association published a release applauding the AMA's decision. "This science-based decision by the nation's leading medical body reaffirms that no single food or ingredient is the sole cause of obesity. Rather, too many calories and too little exercise is a primary cause," CRA President Audrae Erickson said.
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