Have you ever wondered if non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin and sucralose are safe to consume during pregnancy?

Current research shows no reason to avoid foods and beverages with these sweeteners. The only concern is that while consuming calorie-free soft drinks and candies, you may be missing out on more nutritious foods and beverages that are better choices for mothers-to-be such as milk, juice and water.

Pregnant women with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria, or PKU, should avoid foods and beverages sweetened with aspartame because their bodies cannot break down phenylalanine, the amino acid aspartame contains.

If you have PKU or carry the gene, consult a doctor and registered dietitian for health and nutrition advice.