How Intake of High Fructose Corn Syrup Relates to Reported IBS Symptoms during Times of Stress

Abstract

The dual purpose was to find whether a relationship exists between high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) intake and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, and if there are differences in intake of HFCS beverages during varying stress periods, measured through Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10). We recruited twenty-eight university students (89% female, 11% male). Participants average experienced gastrointestinal symptoms did not meet criteria for IBS. There was not a significant correlation found between the amount of HFCS-55 intake and reported IBS symptoms, r=.040, p=.717. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to evaluate the null hypothesis that there is no change in participant’s HFCS-55 intake when measured during low, moderate, and high stress environments (N=28). The results of the ANOVA did not indicate a significant effect, Wilk’s Lambda = .987, F (2,25) = .164, p = .073. Thus, there is not significant evidence to reject the null hypothesis.