Women are often wary of their diets when they are with child. This is understandable as most food now have chemicals, preservatives, and unnatural substances. Sugar substitutes during pregnancy have been given extra attention recently due to misconceptions regarding their effects.
Sugar, especially an excess of it, is bad for anyone, but it can have complicated side effects for pregnant women. High sugar content in the blood causes the fetus to grow abnormally large as in the case of macrosomia. This results in birth complications that prohibit women to give birth the natural way.
An alternative to avoid the side effects of sugar is to use alternatives like artificial sweeteners in pregnancy. Unfortunately, sugar substitutes have their own side effects. Saccharin, in particular, has been linked to placental problems in the past. In extreme cases, it can even lead to cancer.
The most common sweeteners are relatively safe for pregnant women. Commonly found sweeteners like Splenda are trusted brands when it comes to alternative sweeteners. Provided, of course, these substances are used in moderation. Another trusted substance is aspartame, which is found in the artificial sweetener Equal and NutraSweet.
There have been reports claiming aspartame during pregnancy is dangerous. Some say this substance causes premature births and diseases linked with anxiety attacks, memory loss, vertigo, spasms, joint pain and even blurred vision and slurred speech. These claims are simply not true.
Aspartame, in particular, is one of the more thoroughly tested and examined substances by health departments like the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control. This particular artificial sweetener has been cleared for general human consumption, but is aspartame safe for pregnant women?
In truth, the effects of aspartame on pregnancy are more good than detrimental. aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are very low on calories, making them the best option for people looking to control their weight. As women can experience weight gain during pregnancy, aspartame can help them gain control over their daily calorie intake, allowing them to avoid food categorized as ’empty calories’.
The most notable advantage to artificial sweeteners is improving the taste of food for people with blood sugar issues, primarily those with diabetes. Aspartame, in particular, also extends the flavor of fruit. It is also friendly to people’s teeth. People who use aspartame frequently also says it tastes like sugar.
Over 90 countries worldwide have approved aspartame in their individual studies. This extends to approval for pregnant women. Studies revealed a moderate exposure to this artificial sweetener does not affect blood sugar levels or breast milk upon lactation.
Reading facts about sugar substitutes during pregnancy from different sources can be helpful but nothing can put your mind at ease better than consulting a physician. Aspartame may be safe in general but they might have harmful effects for special cases. When it comes to the health of your unborn child and yourself, only trust medical experts.
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