Does aspartame pass through breast milk?

Aspartame and Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, has been a topic of concern for many breastfeeding mothers wondering about its safety and whether it passes into breast milk. Recent research provides clarity on this issue, revealing that aspartame does not significantly transfer to breast milk after maternal consumption.
Rapid Breakdown in the Body
According to findings from the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), aspartame is rapidly metabolized in the mother’s body, resulting in it being undetectable in breast milk following ingestion. This means that typical consumption levels of aspartame, such as those found in diet sodas or sugar-free products, do not pose a risk of transferring the sweetener to an infant through breastfeeding.
Phenylalanine Levels
However, it is important to note that in cases of extremely high intake—for instance, consuming the equivalent of 17 cans of soda or about 100 packets of Equal Sweetener—there may be a slight increase in the levels of phenylalanine in breast milk. Phenylalanine is one of the components of aspartame, and while the increase is minimal, it is a consideration for mothers who may have infants with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder that affects the metabolism of phenylalanine.
Safety During Lactation
The consensus among health professionals is that aspartame is considered safe for use during lactation. Studies indicate that nonnutritive sweeteners, including aspartame, are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also stated that aspartame is acceptable for nursing mothers, reinforcing the notion that moderate consumption does not pose a health risk to breastfed infants.
Conclusion
In summary, aspartame does not pass into breast milk in any significant amount, making it safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume in moderation. While extreme consumption could lead to slight increases in phenylalanine levels, this is not a concern for most mothers. As always, it is advisable for nursing mothers to consult with healthcare providers regarding their diet and any specific concerns they may have about artificial sweeteners.

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.

Does aspartame affect fetus?

Aspartame. Aspartame is one of the most common artificial sweeteners used in food and drink. In the small intestine, aspartame breaks down into aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol at levels that are nontoxic to adults, children, and fetuses.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I vape?

Mothers who use tobacco or e-cigarettes can breastfeed their infants but should be encouraged to quit. If they are unable to quit, breastfeeding still provides numerous health benefits, and breast milk remains the recommended food for an infant.

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 drugs can pass through a mother’s breast milk and harm a nursing baby?

Drugs

• If you use amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine or heroin, you should not breastfeed for 24 hours after use.
• If you smoke cannabis or tobacco you should breastfeed your baby before you smoke, and smoke outside and away from the baby. Do not have your baby in the same room as the smoke.

Can I drink aspartame while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Although it is prudent to avoid the use of aspartame in women who are nursing an infant with phenylketonuria, amounts that are typically ingested in aspartame-sweetened foods and beverages do not result in any additional risk to breastfed infants with phenylketonuria.

How much aspartame is safe during pregnancy?

The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition consider aspartame to be safe for both the pregnant woman and the developing infant. The dietitians at the BWH Nutrition Consult Service/OB-GYN recommend no more than 1-2 servings/day of aspartame containing foods.

What drinks dry up breast milk?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

• Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days.
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

What drinks should I 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.

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).