Low-calorie sweeteners are, quite simply, one of those ingredient categories whose safety continues to come under scrutiny - albeit unwarranted. When their safety - or alleged lack thereof - is then linked to pregnant women, all kinds of concern can be raised.  No one wants to hear that future generations "may" be impacted by a simple sip of diet soda!  Thankfully, that's just not the case - based on science and fact, rather than emotion.  But the latest study of the day is just that - yet another study to garner some media attention and cause unnecessary concern.  So let's put the rumor of the day to rest:  Pregnant women should rest assured that diet beverages are safe - for them and their yet-to-be-born offspring.

A recent study out of Denmark looked at just over 59,000 Danish pregnant women, and alleges that their consumption of diet beverages increased risk of pre-term delivery.  Sounds really scary, doesn’t it?  Well, here are a few things you should know about this study:

The authors even acknowledge that their study - which is observational in nature - DOES NOT and CANNOT show cause and effect. They also note that the alleged association between diet beverages and premature delivery was ‘primarily driven by medically induced delivery’ and that further research is needed.

And here are a few things to remember about low-calorie sweeteners:

Low-calorie sweeteners are some of the most studied and reviewed ingredients in the food supply today and have passed rigorous safety assessments. The safety of low-calorie sweeteners, and diet beverages, is supported by the body of available science as well as regulatory agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Their safety is also supported by leading health groups including the American Dietetic Association and American Diabetes Association.

But the best advice of all - if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant - is to seek out, consult with and heed the advice of your health care provider.  After all, the key to a healthy pregnancy is seeking good medical care and having a healthy lifestyle - before and during pregnancy.