Health experts warn of risks from starch-based sugar consumption

Medical experts are warning about the health risks associated with the consumption of starch-based sugar (SBS), a liquid syrup composed of glucose and fructose often used in processed foods and beverages.

Prof. Dr. Elif Özmert from Hacettepe University notes that SBS contains a high fructose content, ranging from 42% to 90%, which differs significantly from table sugar. Unlike glucose, which is used by cells throughout the body, fructose is metabolized almost exclusively in the liver. This process can cause the liver to rapidly convert the sugar into fat, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease.

Prof. Dr. Okan Bülent Yıldız further explains that because SBS is in liquid form, it is absorbed much faster than table sugar. This rapid absorption can trigger insulin resistance and fails to provide a sufficient feeling of fullness, potentially leading to overconsumption. Long-term excessive intake is linked to serious metabolic issues, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.