Do artificial sweeteners pass into breast milk?

Do Artificial Sweeteners Pass into Breast Milk?
The question of whether artificial sweeteners pass into breast milk is a topic of growing interest, particularly among breastfeeding mothers who are mindful of their dietary choices. As the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame-potassium becomes more prevalent, understanding their implications for breastfeeding is crucial.
Presence in Breast Milk
Research indicates that most artificial sweeteners do indeed transfer into breast milk, albeit in varying amounts. For instance, studies have shown that aspartame is generally not detectable in breast milk, suggesting that it may not significantly affect breastfeeding infants. On the other hand, other sweeteners like sucralose (commonly known as Splenda) and acesulfame-potassium have been found in breast milk, although the concentrations are typically low.
Safety Considerations
The safety of these sweeteners during lactation has been a subject of debate. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers many artificial sweeteners safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, some experts recommend caution. For example, saccharin, one of the oldest artificial sweeteners, is advised against during breastfeeding due to its potential to pass into breast milk and the lack of extensive safety data.
Moreover, the general consensus among health professionals is that while the risk to breastfed infants appears to be low, mothers may choose to limit their intake of artificial sweeteners as a precautionary measure. This is particularly relevant for mothers who may have concerns about the long-term effects of these substances on their infants.
Current Recommendations
Given the mixed findings regarding the transfer of artificial sweeteners into breast milk, healthcare providers often suggest that breastfeeding mothers should be mindful of their consumption. While occasional use of these sweeteners is generally considered safe, moderation is key. Mothers are encouraged to prioritize whole foods and natural sweeteners when possible, especially during the early months of breastfeeding when infants are most vulnerable.
In conclusion, while some artificial sweeteners do pass into breast milk, the levels are typically low and considered safe for most breastfeeding mothers. However, ongoing research and individual health considerations should guide dietary choices during this critical period.

Is it okay to drink diet coke while breastfeeding?

Diet soft drinks​
Drinks (as well as foods) which contain approved sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium and sucralose are considered safe when you consume them in moderation. Read on for food tips when breastfeeding​.

What is passed through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

Can you have artificial sweetener while breastfeeding?

As to your question about artificial sweeteners, with NutraSweet/Equal (Aspartame), no adverse effects have been reported in infants, likely because milk levels are too low to produce significant side effects. The only contraindication is in infants with Phenylketonuria.

What substances are passed through breast milk?

During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk. This information can help mothers to understand better about the consequences of smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

What drinks to avoid when breastfeeding?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

Does sugar get passed through breast milk?

Add breast milk to the list of foods and beverages that contain fructose, a sweetener linked to health issues ranging from obesity to diabetes. A new study by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC indicates that a sugar called fructose is passed from mother to infant through breast milk.

How does artificial sweeteners affect the baby?

For example, some studies have shown that if a mom consumes a lot of low-calorie sweeteners during pregnancy, it can increase her baby’s chances of being overweight later on or can change the way a child might taste sweetness in a food.

Can eating sugar while breastfeeding keep baby awake?

A mother is described who observed her babies becoming restless during nursing whenever she had eaten foods containing sugar. The problem ceased almost instantly when she adopted a sugar‐free diet. The extensive literature on sugar, physical and mental illness and behavioural problems was reviewed.

Does aspartame transfer to breast milk?

Aspartame is not detectable in breastmilk after maternal ingestion because it is rapidly broken down in the mother’s body. An extremely large intake of aspartame (equivalent to 17 cans of soda or 100 packets of Equal Sweetener) can slightly increase the amount of phenylalanine in breastmilk.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after drinking soda?

If possible, allow 2 to 3 hours in between drinking and breastfeeding (you should only do this after breastfeeding is well established).