Turkish researchers and global health experts highlight the potential dangers of high-fructose starch-based sweeteners, linking their consumption to increased health risks in children and calling for stricter regulations and healthier habits.
High-fructose starch-based sweeteners may carry a greater health risk than table sugar because of their higher fructose content, according to a report by Anadolu Agency citing a paediatric specialist in Turkey. Prof Elif Özmert of Hacettepe University said the main concern is that fructose is processed differently by the body and is rapidly turned into fat in the liver, while also failing to trigger a strong sense of fullness.
The sweetener, known in Turkey as nişasta bazlı şeker and often used in processed foods and drinks, is made from starch-rich plants and contains glucose and fructose in varying proportions. It is widely found in confectionery, baked goods, jam, ice cream and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Producers favour it because it mixes easily, adds sweetness and texture, and can extend shelf life. In Turkey, however, its use is capped at 2.5% of total sugar output and is subject to routine oversight by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Özmert told Anadolu Agency that the dangers are not limited to this sweetener alone. Excess sugar of any kind in childhood is linked to obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and tooth decay, she said, while also being associated with broader cardiometabolic disease, allergies, bowel disorders and behavioural problems. She pointed to Turkish studies showing that the share of primary school children who consume sugary drinks daily or frequently rose from 12.7% in 2013 to 18.4% in 2016 and then to 42.3% in 2022.
That concern is consistent with broader medical guidance. The National Institutes of Health has published research indicating that high fructose intake may contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by harming the intestinal barrier and promoting liver inflammation and fat build-up. Harvard Health has likewise warned that too much fructose may strain the liver and raise cardiovascular risk, including higher blood pressure and insulin resistance. Healthline has also noted that high-fructose corn syrup, a common processed-food sweetener, is associated with excess calorie intake and weight gain when consumed in large amounts.
Özmert said the first two years of life should ideally be free of added sugar, and that older children should keep added sugar to no more than 5% of daily calories where possible. She urged families to avoid sugary drinks, processed snacks and products with little nutritional value, and to check labels for total calories, sugar, saturated fat and salt. She also called for healthier school canteen rules and a daily nutritious meal programme in schools, arguing that childhood habits can shape adult health for life.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
