ABSTRACT Background: Artificially sweetened (AS) and sugar-sweetened (SS) beverages are commonly consumed during pregnancy. A recent Danish study... » More

ABSTRACT

Background: Artificially sweetened (AS) and sugar-sweetened (SS) beverages are commonly consumed during pregnancy. A recent Danish study reported that daily intake of AS beverage was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery.

Objective: We examined the intake of AS and SS beverages in pregnant women in order to replicate the Danish study and examine whether AS intake is indeed associated with preterm delivery.

Design: This is a prospective study of 60 761 pregnant women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Intake of carbonated and non-carbonated AS and SS beverages and use of artificial sweeteners in hot drinks were assessed by a self-reported food frequency questionnaire in mid-pregnancy. Preterm delivery was the primary outcome and data were obtained from the Norwegian Medical Birth Registry.

Results: Intakes of both AS and SS beverages increased with increasing BMI and energy intake, and were higher in women with less education, in daily smokers and in single women. High intake of AS beverages was associated with preterm delivery; the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for those drinking more than 1 serving per day was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.24). Drinking more than 1 serving of SS beverages per day was also associated with increased risk of preterm delivery: aOR 1.25 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.45). The trend tests were positive for both beverages.

Conclusion: This study suggests that high intake of both AS and SS beverages are associated with increased risk of preterm delivery.

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