Researchers Find Mercury Traces In High-Fructose Syrup

I don't want to alarm anyone but when I see something I think you should know about I'm going to post it. You can then take the information and further investigate if you desire.

This one caught my eye this morning. For the first time, researchers have detected traces of mercury in samples of high-fructose corn syrup. The study was published Monday in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health.

I've always been told to be careful of fish from certain areas because they could be high in mercury content. The concern for consuming the mercury is that there have been links to learning disabilities in kids and heart disease in adults. It looks like we now have to look beyond just fish. High-fructose corn syrup is a commonly used sweetener that many of us consume daily. Based on kids diet patterns they consume more then adults on average.

The source of the metal seems to be caustic soda and hydrochloric acid, which manufacturers of corn syrup use to help convert corn kernels into the food additive. Apparently there are a handful of plants that still make the soda and acid by mixing a briny solution in electrified vats of mercury. Some of the toxic metal ends up in the final product according to the study.

Before you start to panic I do caution that the study was limited. Only 20 samples were analyzed and mercury was detected in nine. That said the impact could be significant since high-fructose corn syrup has become a staple in processed food. Let's hope this study leads to more research and a closer look into the issue. Back in 2005, then U.S. Senator Barack Obama introduced legislation that would force chlorine plants to phase out its use or shut down. Some vowed to switch to a mercury free process. This seems like a good idea to me.

As a father of four and someone who tries to be health conscious I know I am going to keep an eye on this issue. I encourage you to do the same. Here is a link to an article that can help provide more information. http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hscorn0127-nws,0,6520311.story?track=rss

Art Kosieradzki