Aspartame used to sweeten diet sodas and drinks is a non-calorie sweetener. It is composed of two animo acids which build protein in the body. Studies show that there is no harm to pregnant women drinking diet soda with aspartame as long as it is consumed in moderation. Surcralose is the newest sweetener called Splenda. Not enough studies have been done to determine the effects. Check with the doctor before consuming beverages that use it.

On the Other: Negative Aspects of Artificial Sweetners

The negative aspect of aspartame comes from the makeup of the product. It contains phenylalanine and some women cannot metabolize the substance. This will cause damage to the fetus in the form of a rare condition called phenylketonuria. Pregnant women are often screened for this disease. Children born with PKU often have skin, muscle and brain disorders. Saccharin, another diet sweetener called Sweet and Low, has been know to cause birth defects and cancer in scientific experiments on mice. It should be avoided . Another sweetener, sucralose (Splenda), has not been studied enough to know the effects so check with your doctor before consuming diet soda or beverages that use it.

Bottom Line

Moderation in drinking diet soda is the key. Most doctors and dietitians agree that one per day is the limit. If you want to be on the safe side drink a few glasses of soda per week. The sweetener aspartame, also known as Nutrasweet, is found the safest in studies. Saccharin, known as Sweet and Low, should be avoided for pregnant women. It causes serious damage in studies on mice. Sucralose, or Splenda, should only be consumed after talking with the doctor.

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Diet Soda and Pregnancy

Diet Soda

Safety During Pregnancy