Diet Coke Safety Concerns

Shared by Zenith Health

Pearl found 20 sources with relevant information, from which

9 peer-reviewed research articles

4 professionally-backed sources

6 articles from healthcare institutions

are cited in Pearl's summary below.

Overview

The evidence collected on the safety of Diet Coke during pregnancy is mixed. While some sources suggest that moderate caffeine intake (up to 200 mg per day) is generally considered safe, others highlight potential risks associated with higher caffeine consumption, such as increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and other adverse gestational outcomes.

Additionally, there are concerns about the artificial sweeteners in Diet Coke, particularly aspartame, which has been linked to neurological problems and increased health problems in offspring when consumed daily during pregnancy.

Findings

Caffeine Intake:
- Guidelines generally recommend limiting caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day during pregnancy.
- Higher caffeine intake has been associated with increased risks of miscarriage, low birth weight, and other adverse outcomes.
- Some studies suggest that even moderate caffeine intake may have adverse effects, particularly in individuals with certain genetic or epigenetic factors.
Artificial Sweeteners:
- Aspartame, the primary sweetener in Diet Coke, has been linked to neurological problems and increased health issues in offspring when consumed daily during pregnancy.
- Some sources recommend limiting the intake of aspartame-containing foods to 1-2 servings per day during pregnancy.

Conclusion

There is no clear consensus on the safety of Diet Coke during pregnancy. While moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe, higher intake has been associated with adverse outcomes. Additionally, the artificial sweeteners in Diet Coke, particularly aspartame, raise concerns about potential neurological and health issues in offspring. It is important to monitor your overall caffeine intake from all sources and consider the potential risks associated with artificial sweeteners.

Next Steps:

Discuss your caffeine and Diet Coke consumption with your healthcare provider to get personalized advice.
Consider alternatives to Diet Coke, such as water or decaffeinated beverages, to reduce caffeine and artificial sweetener intake.
Keep track of your daily caffeine intake to ensure it stays within recommended limits.

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