There is mounting anecdotal and scientific evidence that severe behavioral issues such as anger and aggression in children may be linked to corn.
So this could be an exhausting topic or one of hope. To the mother searching to find out why her child is having behavioral issues that appropriate correction and discipline aren’t helping: take heart.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (one part of the autism puzzle?)
And, yes, I did find two credible sources that discuss consuming high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to be associated with the dietary loss of zinc.
Zinc insufficiency has a negative impact on the body’s ability to eliminate heavy metals here and here.
Here are a few success stories of how eliminating corn in all its forms from the diet has been freeing and transformational to the child and thus their whole family. [depression] [anger and aggression] [irrational behavior, temper tantrums], [autism], [autism], [obesity], [meltdowns, erratic and inconsistent behavior].
“To better address the explosion of autism, it’s critical we consider how unhealthy diets [referenced high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)] interfere with the body’s ability to eliminate toxic chemicals, and ultimately our risk for developing long-term health problems like autism.” ~Dr. David Wallinga, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (source)
Corn is the most commonly misdiagnosed allergy among kids. Now considered a ‘new’ food allergy, it is often under-reported. Doctors need to recognize the critical importance of first response, early diagnosis and intervention. Complete elimination is critical, particularly if your child is under the age of three and has a diagnosis of autism.
GMO Corn
Studies have found that GM foods are toxic and more allergenic than their non-GM counterparts. And wouldn’t you know: corn is the #1 GM crop. The anecdotal word is out that animals such as squirrels, geese and deer prefer non-GM corn in the field. Might it be a reaction to the Glyphosates used in GM crops, and the animals know something we don’t?
GMO Farmer: ‘I Won’t Eat My Own Crops’
It turns out there are many, many ingredients in our food supply that fall under the category of corn (what ‘is, or can be, derived from corn’). Let’s find out what we need to be looking for in ingredient lists. Later, I will share a link to a page listing real foods these possible allergy sufferers CAN eat!
All U.S. conventionally produced corn today is genetically modified unless it is organic! That includes sweet corn on the cob at the local grocery store!
This list of corn-based ingredients and derivatives is not exhaustive, for that would be impossible. If my understanding is correct, there are many derivatives of corn that we don’t even know about, and often the employees of food companies do not know either. Just starting with the biggies, you may begin to see improvement to know you are on the right track!
It is my desire that this list will be a gift to help you be an informed consumer. Please help others by adding additional information you have in the comments.
Corn-Based Food Ingredients:
- Alcohol
- Acetic acid – well known because of its presence in vinegar
- Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ascorbates (use this sodium ascorbate – label reads 100% pure pharmaceutical grade USP-FCC (U.S. Pharmacopoeia-Food Chemical Codex) containing no corn residue, plant antigens, protein impurities, gluten or GMOs)
- Artificial Flavorings
- Artificial Colorings
- Aspartame
- Baking Powder – a mixture of leavening agents and starch.
- Brown Sugar –if Caramel color is used. Domino’s Brown sugar no longer uses Caramel color
- Calcium salts that include the words citrate, fumarate, carbonate, gluconate, lactate, magnesium acetate (CMA), stearate, stearoyl lactylate (ex. calcium lactate)
- Caramel Color– coloring used in soft drinks, derived from corn “or cane sugar.” The “or” in Coca-Cola’s explanation refers to a temporary change to make the ingredients Kosher for Passover. The rest of the year, it is from corn.
- Cellulose, Vegetable, Powered, methyl, etc.
- Citrates – Forms of Citrate include: Calcium Citrate, Magnesium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, and more.
- Citric Acid – the source sugar is corn steep liquor along with hydrolyzed c. starch
- Corn, anything containing the word.
- Corn Meal – items baked sitting on c. meal such as Bagels, Breads or Pizza, may not list c. meal as an ingredient
- Corn Starch – in most over-the-counter medicines that come in a dry pill form. Includes Benadryl. Watch for c. syrup in the liquid medications.
- Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup Solids
- Crystalline dextrose, Crystalline fructose
- Dextrin, Maltodextrin – thickening agents found in sauces (check frozen veggies!) salad dressings, and ice cream
- Dextrose anything (glucose) – corn sugar, found in cookies, ice cream, and paired with glucose in hospital IVs unless specified not to! Can also be used as a carrier with anesthetic shots such as Lidocaine and Novocaine! Dextrose is also injected into meat, lunch meats and deli cuts. Be weary of “honey baked” items, the sweet flavor may not be from honey.
- Ethylene – Produce gassed with ethylene from c. to ripen them: avocados, bananas, tomatoes
- Ferrous Gluconate – i.e. as found in canned olives, and comes from corn or potato acid.
- Flavoring – Artificial or “Natural Flavors” – as defined by the FDA regulations of labeling of spices, flavorings, and colorings.
- Food starch
- Words that begin in Gluco- such Gluconate, Gluconic acid, Glucono delta-lactone, Gluconolactone, and Glucosamine
- Glutamate
- Gluten
- Grits
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
- Hominy
- Honey – clear honey (with pollen filtered out) on store shelves may contain corn syrup. Look for raw honey that is thick and non-filtered.
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), Hydrolyzed c., Hydrolyzed c. protein
- Inositol
- Invert syrup or sugar
- Lactic Acid – Manufactured organically as a byproduct of c. fermentation
- Lecithin
- Linoleic acid
- Lysine
- Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Fumarate
- Malic Acid
- All Malts, Malt extract, Maltodextrin, Maltol, Maltose, Malt Flavoring , Maltitol – (also known as Maltisorb and Maltisweet) Maltitol is made by hydrogenation of maltose obtained from starch.
- Mannitol – A naturally occurring alcohol that is often combined with c. derived sugars. Here is the link on USDA’s website explaining this practice.
- Modified Food Starch, Modified Cellulose Gum
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – The MSG Myth site explains MSG is made from corn.
- Mono- and diglycerides
- Natural flavorings
- Olestra/Olean
- Polenta
- Polydextrose – is synthesized from dextrose, and contains sorbitol and citric acid (all from c.).
- Polysorbates (i.e. Polysorbate 80)
- Popcorn
- Potassium citrate, Potassium fumarate, Potassium gluconate
- Powdered Sugar – contains c. starch
- Saccharin – in powder form IS Sweet’N Low and therefore contains Dextrose.
- Salt (Iodized) – Morton’s FAQ explains why they add Dextrose (c.) to their salt.
- Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium citrate, Sodium fumarate, Sodium lactate and more
- All ‘Sorbs’, Sorbitan, Sorbitan Monostearate, Sorbitol, Sorbate, Sorbic acid – You will find Sorbitol in Sugar Free items such as candy, chewing gum, cosmetics, mouthwash, and toothpaste.
- Starch – often this is cornstarch unless it specifies something else, like potato starch
- Sucralose – Sucralose by itself may be corn-free, though it is likely one best to avoid. Repackaged as the brand Splenda, it will contain dextrose and/or maltodextrin.
- Sweet’N Low – contains Dextrose, and according to Sweet’N Low, ALL sugar substitutes in powder form contain Dextrose.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
- Vanilla Extract – most brands will have c. syrup. Though you can find organic brands that do not, the alcohol used may be corn-derived.
- Vinegar, Distilled White – can be made from any sugar, but the most common method is to use corn that has been converted from starch into sugar.
- Vitamin C (this buffered Sodium ascorbate is labeled GMO and corn-free)
- Vitamin E (Tocopherols). Use caution with products that are “enriched” with added vitamins.
- Xanthan Gum – used as a thickening agent. It is found in sauces, spices, and commonly in Gluten-Free foods.
- Xylitol – You will find Xylitol in Sugar-Free items such as candy, chewing gum, cosmetics, mouthwash, and toothpaste.
- Zein – used in time-release medications, derived from Maize
You can be tipped off by the vague naming of ingredients without specifying their nature, for example: “natural” flavor, vegetable (which vegetable?), starch (which starch?), syrup, etc.
Do not lose heart, dear reader! I held on to Matthew 11: 28-31 when we were in the thick of our son’s failure to thrive/food allergy battles. It was the proving ground which drove me to the Lord. Believe it or not, I learned more in that 7 year period than I could ever begin to tell and am trying to use that knowledge to help you. I trust the Lord will give you wisdom as you call on Him.
Resources:
- Very Extensive Corn-FREE Foods & Products List here
- Where’s the Corn in Foods?
- The Surprising Food That May Cause Anger & Aggression
- Avoiding Corn
- Corn Allergy Girl
Patti LeDuff
The other most damaging part of corn is the fact that it is all impregnated with fungus-including the original seed. Please refer to the over 40 years research done by Doug Kauffman (KnowtheCause.com). His fungus findings back up exactly what you are saying, but it is certainly not the only place fungus hides. I love growing and eating fresh corn, but will never eat it again nor any products containing it. (sob!). Great article. I will print it out to keep in my purse when shopping because several of the products I was unaware of. Thank you.
Jacqueline
Thanks for the research info by Doug Kauffman. I’m not surprised by the fungal connection.
It is great news to hear that this is doable and that there are many who are being helped by avoiding corn in all its forms!
Erica Kennedy
I believe that there are safe forms of xylitol that are derived from hardwoods, notably birch. I don’t use it as a sweetener generally, although we have used it in toothpaste.
Jacqueline
Yes, Erica, I think it is made of birchwood. Here is the product: http://amzn.to/28QYU3X
Thank you!
Kathy
Even birch xylitol becomes corny through how it’s made. Im sorry I don’t have a link to share right now, but if you research what corn derivatives are, because there are many more than this article states, and how xylitol is made, you’ll see it.
Laura
I’m always surprised when I see articles about corn allergies outside of my sphere. You see, I’ve been dealing with a severe corn allergy for about four years now. I’m anaphylactic to many of the corn derivatives you listed in your article and have had to use an epi-pen on myself. Not an enjoyable experience. Thank you for posting this and bring about awareness to this growing allergy.
One of the go-to sites for us is Corn Allergy Girl ( https://cornallergygirl.com/ ) On there you can find a more complete list of corn derivatives and listing of food and other products that contain corn or corn derivatives.
Jeri Gerhart
Without sounding naughty…is there a way to “sneakily” get corn out of the family diet? I am GF and have to watch how much corn I eat due to digestive issues…but my husband and family FLAT OUT REFUSE to change what or how they eat. I have one child who is (diagnosed) autistic and one who is suspected and a third who doesn’t show any symptoms.
I would hope that in the times I prepare foods that while I cannot make it exclusively GF (because they won’t eat it), but maybe I can work on the elimination of corn.
Any suggestions?
Jacqueline
Oh, Jeri, I wish I could be of more help! I would at least eliminate corn chips, corn tortillas, popcorn, corn on the cob, and the more obvious things. To really know, you would have to eliminate much more for a time (perhaps 3-4 weeks). I am praying as you seek for answers, the Lord will give you much wisdom and encouragement with your family.
Devonna Camp
Thank you very much for this informative article. I am 51 years old and about 15 years ago I was diagnosed with severe corn and egg allergies. I was a walking hive for a whole summer, I was absolutely miserable, I went to my family doctor and he did blood work and gave me a long list of things that I was allergic to, corn and eggs was not on it. I was still sick, I gained 10 pounds and was very swollen and inflamed, the hives were very intense and I was very, very lethargic & extremely agitated with absolutely no energy, even though my nerves seemed to be screaming constantly. I decided to go to an allergy specialist and he performed the prick test and he told me that I was not allergic to any of those things on the previous list but, I was severely allergic to corn and eggs. At first I thought I was cursed because when I began reading labels I realized that everything had some kind of corn in it. It was very overwhelming!! Now, I feel as though I have been blessed with this allergy, it has forced me to change my eating habits, I have not drank pop or sweet drinks ever since & I do not eat prepackaged foods, I read labels constantly and if there is an ingredient that I can not pronounce I do not buy it. Also I do not buy anything with a huge list of ingredients either. I feel great!! My “numbers” are great!! Cholesterol levels are beyond optimal and I can control my weight quite easily, menopause of course makes that a bit of a struggle, lol. I do “cheat” once in awhile without much of a reaction. I really, really miss my eggs however…… I highly agree from experience how corn can mess with your nervous system, I really was a mess. I did not realize that Vitamin E has corn in it. I am always learning something new. Thanks again for this valuable information,
Jacqueline
Oh, wow, Devonna! That is scary and makes me again wonder how many have this allergy and just don’t know it! I am so glad you found the root cause and thankful the Lord used it for GOOD! <3
Also wondering if it is grounded in Glyphosate contamination. did that conversation ever come up? And I’d like to ask permission to use your story if I do a post on glyphosate causing allergies. I need to research to make sure there is evidence for that first, though. Blessings!
Angel
Something to possibly consider with eggs is if it is actually the eggs, or the diet of the chickens producing the eggs? I believe most chicken feed/ scratch etc contains corn. I bring this up because to make a very long story short, we ended up eliminating several things from our youngest child’s diet at the recommendation of a dr, one being eggs though she’d had no noticeable problem with them. When we began reintroducing things, she started showing a reaction… however I wondered and then came across other information that perhaps it was actually gluten… we had our own chickens by then, I found an organic farm that made a gluten free feed, and we tried again after they’d been on it a couple months… she doesn’t react to our eggs, but does to things with egg from the store, even organic.
Jacqueline
Wow, that is so very amazing but IT MAKES SENSE! Angel, thank you for sharing that in the hopes that it will help someone!
Blessings, ~Jacqueline
Cindy
Good list of things that have corn in them.
Janine Holden
Jacqueline,
Thanks for your post about corn allergies. I’d like to add that there is a Corn Allergy Group on Facebook that is invaluable for people suffering from this allergy or intolerance. I’ve learned soooo much more about where corn hides from that group. I invite your readers to join us. Thank you for bringing attention to this topic!
Jacqueline
Thank you, Janine, for letting us know here! Thank you for all you do!
Mesia
Do you find that organic corn gives these same side effects?
Jacqueline
Mesia, it certainly does for some!
gail grandon
thank you for the information. I will be passing this along.
Jacqueline
Thank you, Gail. I really appreciate shares. You are a blessing!
~Jacqueline
Joanna
My (8yrs old) son was recently diagnosed with a numerous allergies and is now on medication to control his Hives outbreak, we’ve learned that he is deathly allergic to corn, wheat, eggs amongst other things. I’m having a hard time finding item he can eat, since 90% of the foods have one of those 3 I’ve mentioned. Do you have a list of corn free foods you can share?
Jacqueline
Joanna, I do not have a post on corn-free foods, but we are having huge success with correcting these allergies using TRS. If you want to remove the root cause of the reactions (as opposed to living with them and working around them), you need to get to the underlying root cause which are environmental toxins and heavy metals from med or antibiotics or adjuvants in vaccines.
Like those who are forced to receive mandatory vaccines, we are also having great success with anaphylaxis and severe food reactions.
See this: https://deeprootsathome.com/peanut-allergy-the-almost-epidemic-food-allergy/
I work with many people using a protocol to detox before, the day of, and after a vaccine or vaccines with TRS.
You can learn more here: https://deeprootsathome.com/science-based-protocol-reduce-severity-side-effects/
and here https://deeprootsathome.com/avalyns-story-how-trs-a-safe-heavy-metal-detox-can-help-you-and-your-child/
I’d love the opportunity to help if possible!
Blessings,
Jacqueline
Lisa
When my oldest was around 2 yrs old he developed a chronic cough, worse at night. He got a lot of breathing treatments plus we tried natural remedies and eliminated different thing from his diet. His pediatrician called it allergy induced asthma although we didn’t know what allergy was causing it. After 2 yrs of dealing with it we finally saw an allergist & had testing done. He is highly allergic to corn much to his allergists surprise as he said it’s uncommon & probably a fluke🙄 I immediately removed all corn from his diet and his 2 yr chronic cough disappeared & he’s never had a breathing treatment since! I also realized how it was affecting his behavior. If he cheats and eats popcorn it makes him hyper & aggressive. It makes me sad to think how many kids are labeled/drugged for ADHD when it’s really food allergies/sensitivities.
Jacqueline
Lisa, thank you for sharing your experience!!! I, too, beleive that corn (contaminated with glyphosate -even organic corn) is far more common of an allergen to children – and adults – than we realize!
I am so thankful you realized it when you did!
I also want to mention that you can detox your son to seriously lower any toxicity or sensitivity that remains in his body (from glyphosate or medications, etc.).
It will also strengthen his overall immune system by removing any metal adjuvants and toxins if he was ever vac’d. They can create heightened sensitivies to foods by creating gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria and microbes).
You can look into how to do that here: https://deeprootsathome.com/trs/
Sending peace,
Jacqueline
Nicole
It seems utterly impossible to avoid all elements of corn, unless you make everything yourself literally from scratch (down to raising your own meat animals and egg-laying hens, fed with your own DIY chicken feed) – I do feel overwhelmed at the idea!
I have been so grateful to finally find so many more seemingly “safe” options at the grocery stores in the past couple of years (products that claim to be “paleo” or “whole30” approved; but ingredients listing still includes some of the things on this list, such as ascorbic acid, citric acid, natural flavors, etc.)
Just this past month I was able to give my children a GF/DF/SF (and what I thought was CF) ice cream cone. Something that brought me to tears as they finally got to experience something that every other child can take for granted.
Now it seems that enjoyment must be tainted with worrying about additives derived from corn. (SIGH)… 🙁
Obviously, I need to be on my knees in prayer and not fretting and stressed. Thank you for this list and information. I will be praying about this.
Jacqueline
Hi, Nicole!
I sure hear your heart! We had that same situation when our very sick son (due to mold) (and allergic to over 52 foods we tested for) was restricted to a 8-day rotation diet for 3.5 years… and no sugar bc his candida overgrowh was so extremely bad. So we all went without so as not to make him feel bad. Meaning we aLL ate the very narrow band of foods on a repeating basis every 8 days, then started all over again!
We learned to be thankful as we saw healing and a return to his old happy self! But it took that long and was tedious and hard to source. All that to say, today he is healthy, well-adjusted (cheerful and resourceful), and has learned self-control to keep himself healthy.
I am praying for you as you process this. Ask the Lord for wisdom! He is never stingy when we seek Him for guidance!
Sending peace,
Jacque