Are artificial sweeteners safe during pregnancy?
Yes, in moderation, for the 5 sweeteners approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Acesulfame-K (Ace-K, Sunett), Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal), Neotame, Saccharin (Sweet N’ Low), and Sucralose (Splenda). Both the FDA and the American Dietetic Association have deemed these sweeteners safe for pregnant women. These nonnutritive sweeteners may be useful when intake of sugar is being limited, such as with managing gestational diabetes or preventing too much weight gain. Artificial sweeteners are not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, but may be used concurrently to help control blood sugar and calories. Since moderate intakes of these sweeteners are recommended, and sugar substitutes may be found in a large variety of foods, pregnant women need to be aware of the possible presence of these sweeteners in order to avoid excess consumption. Women diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare hereditary disease, are advised to avoid aspartame due to restrictions of phenylal
