What sweetener is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Sweeteners While Breastfeeding
For nursing mothers, the question of what sweeteners are safe to consume can be a significant concern, especially given the potential impact on breast milk and, consequently, the infant. The landscape of sweeteners includes both artificial and natural options, each with varying degrees of safety and health implications.
Artificial Sweeteners: A Closer Look
Among the most commonly used artificial sweeteners are aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and saccharin. Research indicates that all except saccharin are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Sucralose, known by the brand name Splenda, is particularly noteworthy; it has been detected in breast milk after consumption, but it is poorly absorbed by the body, suggesting that any amount passed to the infant is minimal and unlikely to cause harm.
Acesulfame potassium and aspartame also appear to be safe when consumed in moderation. Studies have shown no adverse effects on infants whose mothers consumed these sweeteners, likely due to the low levels found in breast milk. The consensus among health professionals is that when these sweeteners are used within the acceptable daily intake (ADI) guidelines, they pose no significant risk to breastfeeding infants.
Natural Sweeteners: A Safe Alternative
For those who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, natural options like stevia and monk fruit extract are available. Stevia, in particular, is recognized as safe and is often used as a zero-calorie sugar substitute. It is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant and has been classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA. Erythritol, another natural sweetener, is also considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, providing a low-calorie alternative without the concerns associated with artificial sweeteners.
Moderation is Key
Regardless of the type of sweetener chosen, moderation is crucial. The body of evidence suggests that while many sweeteners are safe, excessive consumption could lead to unintended consequences, both for the mother and the infant. Therefore, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their intake and consult healthcare providers if they have specific concerns or dietary restrictions.
In conclusion, breastfeeding mothers have a variety of sweetening options available to them. While artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame are deemed safe in moderation, natural alternatives such as stevia and erythritol offer additional choices for those looking to avoid synthetic ingredients. As always, a balanced approach is recommended to ensure both maternal health and infant safety.

What is the least harmful artificial sweetener?

1. Stevia. Extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, stevia is approximately 250 times sweeter than regular sugar. Because stevia contains no calories and minimal carbohydrates, it is not likely to contribute to undesired weight gain and blood sugar spikes.

Can a breastfeeding mom take stevia?

Stevia should be avoided by pregnant and breast-feeding women due to a lack of information about its possible effects on developing babies and infants. Individuals with kidney conditions should also avoid taking stevia because some laboratory animals have suffered kidney damage when they were given high doses.

Is stevia healthier than aspartame?

“Stevia is my favorite calorie-free sweetener,” says registered dietitian Natalie Crtalic, RD, LD. “It’s a good alternative for people who don’t want to use sugars or other chemical sweeteners. In my opinion, using stevia is more natural than using other low-calorie, chemically processed sweeteners, like aspartame.”

What sugar substitutes are safe while breastfeeding?

Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS), including saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-potassium, are commonly consumed in the general population, and all except for saccharin are considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

What medicine ingredients should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What is the safest artificial sweetener during pregnancy?

Six sweeteners: aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal), sucralose (Splenda), saccharin (Sweet’N Low), acesulfame potassium, neotame, and advantame have all been approved as safe by the FDA. In general, all of these, except for saccharin, are considered safe to use in moderation during pregnancy.

Are artificial sweeteners safe while breastfeeding?

Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS), including saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-potassium, are commonly consumed in the general population, and all except for saccharin are considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

What sweeteners are safe while breastfeeding?

Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS), including saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-potassium, are commonly consumed in the general population, and all except for saccharin are considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

What sweeteners carry erythritol?

Erythritol is commonly added to sugar substitutes marketed as “natural” alternatives to sugar, including stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. That includes products like Truvia and Splenda Naturals Stevia.

Does erythritol go into breast milk?

Sugar-Alcohols
Erythritol and ribitol (sugar alcohols) were increased in the milk of obese-overweight mothers 6 months after birth (15). To the best of our knowledge, only another study investigates sugar alcohols in BM (HPLC), even if erythritol and ribitol were not detectable (47).