Talk to me about fructose - and other sugars if you like

[OakLeaf]

I also make an effort to avoid HFCS, though honestly that has more to do with the degree of refining inherent in its presence, than anything about the sugar itself. More or less what Malkin said. Plus, considering the horror that is corn-growing in the USA at least, I don't think there's even such a thing as organic HFCS. I make a pretty strong effort not to buy any corn that isn't organic, more so than any other food.

I do know that if I have much fructose during a long run or ride (a run especially), my gut will let me know about it afterward. Doesn't matter whether it's fresh fruit, brown rice syrup or Gatorade. I can (and usually do) have fresh, frozen or occasionally dried fruit for breakfast, but there's usually a couple of hours between that and when I head out.



Considering that other studies have shown a strong link between obesity and gut flora, it wouldn't surprise me at all if there's a relationship there. One of their longest known functions is digesting sugars.