There are so many artificial sweeteners out there now. Sometimes you aren’t even aware you’re consuming them with every meal. This can be daunting to first-time moms with the rumor mill of what you can and cannot eat! Here is some insight into the artificial sweeteners for what is safe during your pregnancy.

Artificial Sweeteners During Pregnancy

Sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, sorbitol, mannitol, Xylitol, Stevia, lactose, and fruit-juice concentrates are all artificial sweeteners that are found in several foods. Sucralose is commercially recognized as Splenda. It advertises itself as being calorie-free, and is deemed safe for women who are pregnant by the FDA! Sucralose is also great for baking, but it recommended to consume in moderation. Aspartame, or Equal/NutraSweet, is also approved by the FDA. It should be noted that small amounts is perfectly fine, but to avoid heavy consumption, especially if PKU is considered during your pregnancy.

Saccharin, or Sweet’N Low, though FDA approved, should not be your first go to with artificial sweeteners. Some studies have found that saccharin can reach your baby through the placenta, and once it is there, it is slow to leave. Acesulfame-K is known as Sunnette, an artificial sweetener that is found or can be put in bake goods, gelatin, gum, and soft drinks. This substitute is FDA approved and is 200 times sweeter than regular sugar.

Artificial Sweeteners to Monitor

Sorbitol and Mannitol are very similar and can be a great substitute for sugar as it is a nutritive sweetener, but can cause gastro discomfort. In large quantities can lead to upset stomach and diarrhea. Along with these symptoms, they can interfere with the absorption of valuable vitamins. Both are safe for pregnancy in moderate amounts, but have the ability for excess poundage if you overdo it.

Sorbitol leads in calories, more than most substitutes, and less sweetness than regular sugar. Xylitol comes from plants that is produced into a sugar alcohol. This sweetener can be found in chewing gum, toothpaste, candy, and some foods. Also, contains 40% less in calories than sugar and has shown to prevent tooth decay!

Artificial Sweeteners to Steer Clear From

Stevia is one of the newest sweeteners to hit the market. It derives from a South American shrub and hasn’t technically been approved by the FDA as a proper sweetener – more so as a dietary supplement. This means research hasn’t been done on this product yet, so it cannot be deemed safe or unsafe to consume for pregnant women.

Good Artificial Sweeteners

For lactose, it should only be avoided by women who have an allergy or are intolerant, otherwise it is safe! Lastly, the fruit-juice concentrates are great for substituting in recipes. Cookies, cereals, granola bars, toaster pastries, yogurt, and some soft drinks. With these products, another great perk is that they are more likely to contain healthier ingredients than sugar-loaded sweets!

Aeroflow Can Help Prepare For Baby

Hopefully this information made your morning routine a little more confident when reaching for your morning boost! A lot of these sweeteners following the same approval or outcome while you are breastfeeding. Aeroflow is here for you to get a breast pump to your front door at no cost to you with a few easy steps!

Through Aeroflow, you can apply to find out if one is covered through your insurance at no cost to you! This is all in thanks to the Affordable Care Act compliant insurance policies. Please visit the Qualify Through Insurance link to see if you’re qualified for a breast pump. Let Aeroflow start working on your breast pump needs for you!