Each Of The Following: Fructose

Fructose is a simple sugar found naturally in fruits, honey, and some vegetables. It is a carbohydrate that provides energy. In food production, it is often used in its purified form, commonly as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is made from corn starch.

Fructose is primarily used as a sweetener in a wide variety of processed foods and beverages due to its intense sweetness. It is found in products like cookies, baked goods, soft drinks, and candies, contributing to taste and texture.

Fructose is recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a sweetener. Both JECFA and EFSA have evaluated fructose and its related sweeteners. While naturally occurring fructose in whole foods is part of a healthy diet, high intake of added fructose, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, has been linked in some studies to potential negative health outcomes. Evidence is mixed regarding its direct causal role in certain chronic diseases, and ongoing research continues to explore these associations.