High-Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Increased Fat Absorption in Study
New research from the University of California, Irvine, suggests that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a common sweetener in processed foods and soft drinks, may contribute to weight gain by altering the gut to increase dietary fat absorption. The study, published in Science Advances, found that HFCS can influence the body's ability to absorb fat, potentially promoting obesity and insulin resistance. Researchers examined the effects of blocking an enzyme called Ketohexokinase-C, which breaks down fructose in the gut. Mice lacking this enzyme, despite consuming the same number of calories, gained significantly less weight, remained leaner, and showed better insulin sensitivity. This difference was attributed to changes in the gut microbiome, which affected specialized structures called lacteals, leading to less fat absorption. The findings indicate that fructose might influence body weight not only through its caloric content but also by affecting the efficiency of fat absorption. 
