The impact of non-nutritive sweeteners on fertility, maternal and child health outcomes: a review of human and animal studies.
Michelle L KearnsMichelle L KearnsPublished in: The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society (2024)
There is significant evidence that an unhealthy diet greatly increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and predisposes offspring to metabolic dysfunction and obesity. While fat intake is typically associated with the onset of obesity and its comorbidities, there is increasing evidence linking sugar, particularly high fructose corn syrup, to the global rise in obesity rates. Furthermore, the detrimental effects of added sugar intake during pregnancy on mother and child have been clearly outlined. Guidelines advising pregnant women to avoid food and beverages with high fat and sugar have led to an increase in consumption of 'diet' or 'light' options. Examination of some human birth cohort studies shows that heavy consumption (at least one beverage a day) of non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) containing beverages has been associated with increased risk of preterm birth and increased weight/BMI in male offspring independent of maternal weight, which appears to be offset by breastfeeding for 6 months. Rodent models have shown that NNS exposure during pregnancy can impact maternal metabolic health, adipose tissue function, gut microbiome profiles and taste preference. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are multifaceted and further research, particularly in a translational setting is required to fully understand the effects of NNS on maternal and infant health during pregnancy. Therefore, this review examines maternal sweetener intakes and their influence on fertility, maternal health outcomes and offspring outcomes in human cohort studies and rodent models.
Keyphrases
- weight gain
- birth weight
- weight loss
- pregnancy outcomes
- adipose tissue
- endothelial cells
- pregnant women
- insulin resistance
- gestational age
- preterm birth
- body mass index
- high fat diet
- mental health
- physical activity
- metabolic syndrome
- healthcare
- type diabetes
- public health
- high fat diet induced
- risk assessment
- preterm infants
- clinical practice
- young adults
- health information
- social media
- fatty acid