Glucose syrup storage tank

Glucose-Fructose Syrup is a liquid sweetener used in the manufacturing of foods and beverages. GFS is composed of different simple sugars, mainly glucose and fructose, with varying compositions. The fructose content can range from 5% to 50%. If the fructose makes up more than 50% of the syrup, the name on the ingredient listing should read Fructose-Glucose Syrup. Fructose and glucose exist in their free form in GFS whereas in sucrose they are linked together.

There is no causal link between the consumption of  glucose-fructose syrup and obesity. Many factors contribute to the development of obesity, yet nutritionists, health experts and researchers generally agree that the chief cause is an imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned. Excessive calories can be consumed as fats, proteins, alcohol or carbohydrates. Lack of physical activity also plays a significant role in promoting body fat accumulation and the development of obesity.

Recent reports have suggested that excess consumption of GFS may be responsible for the current obesity crisis in the U.S. However, obesity rates have also risen dramatically across Europe in the absence of a parallel rise in GFS intakes. This comparison renders a link between GFS consumption and obesity implausible.