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Expert Q&A
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| By Karen Ansel Nutritionist | ||
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What is aspartame, and is it OK to consume during pregnancy?
The artificial sweetener aspartame is made from the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid fused with the methanol, an alcohol. While they may sound synthetic, these components occur naturally in foods, and after eating aspartame, they are broken down the same way as when we eat them as part of a meal.
While the FDA has stated that aspartame is safe for general consumption, a few issues regarding its use in pregnant women come to mind. The first is for people with a family history of the genetic disorder PKU, or phenylketonuria, in which the amino acid phenylalanine cannot be properly processed. If there is a family history of PKU on either the expectant mother's or father's side of the family, this sweetener should be strictly avoided.
An additional concern is regarding the purpose behind using artificial sweeteners ? to cut calories. That's something that just isn't compatible with a healthy pregnancy. At 16 calories per teaspoon, go for the sugar instead.
Take our quiz and find out more about aspartame during pregnancy!
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