1. Understanding Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are substitutes for regular sugar (sucrose). They are synthetic sugar substitutes derived from either herbs or natural sugars. They can be nutritive (have calories) or non-nutritive (have no calories) sweeteners.
Nutritive sweeteners add calories to your diet and contain very few minerals or vitamins. They are safe when used in moderation, as long as they do not contribute to weight gain. But if you develop conditions such as diabetes mellitusi, insulin resistance or gestational diabetes, you may have to limit their consumption.
2. Is It Safe To Use Artificial Sweeteners During Pregnancy?
Yes, artificial sweeteners approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe, when used in moderation. You should consume them within the acceptable daily intake (ADI), to prevent them from becoming empty calories that replace nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy.
