Unhealthy and potentially dangerous substances in the diet during
pregnancy
Food may contain substances that have no nutritional value and adversely affect health.
Artificial sweeteners. A number of sweeteners are available, including saccharin, acesulfame
potassium, sucralose and aspartame. Acesulfame potassium and saccharin cross the placental
barrier and appear in breast milk, but both sweeteners and sucralose have been found to be
safe for mothers and fetuses. Aspartame should be avoided by women with phenylketonuria,
as it is metabolized into phenylalanine, which is toxic to the fetal brain. Stevia, a sweetener of
plant origin, appears to have no effect on fetal development.
Bisphenol A. Bisphenol A is reported to adversely affect the endocrine system. It is similar to
the oestrogen molecule and may affect the hormone-‐dependent tissues of the fetus, such as
thyroid function, or increase the mother’s risk for spontaneous abortion. Bisphenol is contained
in polycarbonated plastics (so-‐called “hard plastics”). Preference should be given to containers
that do not contain bisphenol A, which migrates into food upon contact. Infant feeding bottles
containing bisphenol A have been banned in most European countries and the USA.
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