Regular intake of high fructose corn syrup can negatively impact memory and learning ability, a new UCLA study published in the May 15 issue of the Journal of Physiology says.
Researchers tested the ability of maze-trained rats to find their way to the finish after having been dosed with corn syrup for six weeks. The rats, which were not given an omega-3 supplement, moved slower and their brains showed a "decline in synaptic activity," said Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, professor of neurosurgery at UCLA, in a press release.
The omega-3 deprived rats also showed a resistance to insulin which "appears to disturb memory and learning," Gomez-Pinilla said. "Our study shows that a high-fructose diet harms the brain as well as the body. This is something new."
The researchers added if regularly consumes corn syrup, then omega-3 supplements ought to be taken as well. The USDA estimates Americans consume 40 pounds of corn syrup each annually in snack and sweets, soft drinks and meals.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.