Aspartame and Pregnancy: Is it Safe for Your Baby?

Question
I am 15 weeks pregnant . . . I drink the occassional diet pop because I enjoy it but have recently been warned by several people that I should stay away from aspartame . . . why?


Answer
Hello Michelle. Aspartame is a chemical sugar substitute which has three ingredients- phenyalanine, aspartic acid and methanol. These components are converted into formaldehyde and formic acid- both of which are toxic. We only have a brief history with aspartame which means that its effects during pregnancy are not fully known. Given what is all ready known, it is best to avoid aspartame completely. I urge you to forego ALL soda and pop for the rest of the pregnancy- sugar or otherwise. You need to drink plain WATER- add ice and lemon for more interest. Hope that helps- Cheri.