Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which of the following nonnutritive sweeteners should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding?

1. Aspartame

2. Saccharin

3. Neotame

4. All have been shown to be safe, even for pregnant or breastfeeding women

The correct answer is: All have been shown to be safe, even for pregnant or breastfeeding women

The option indicating that all of the listed nonnutritive sweeteners have been shown to be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women is not applicable in this context. Saccharin is the primary concern among these sweeteners since it can cross the placenta and has been associated with potential risks during pregnancy, leading to recommendations for its avoidance. Aspartame and neotame are generally considered safe for most people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they do not possess similar risks. However, aspartame should be avoided by individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder. The contention around saccharin stems from older studies that linked it to bladder cancer in laboratory animals, prompting caution regarding its use during pregnancy. Thus, while many nonnutritive sweeteners can be consumed safely, it is critical for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid saccharin to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their infants. Recognizing the specific risks associated with saccharin helps inform dietary choices for pregnant or breastfeeding women, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare providers about safe sweetener options during this sensitive period.