Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
04:56
An Efficient Single—Person Technique for Milk Sampling from Laboratory Mice
Published on: March 28, 2025
2.0K
Nonnutritive Sweeteners in Breast Milk
Allison C Sylvetsky1,2, Alexandra L Gardner1, Viviana Bauman1
1a Section on Pediatric Diabetes and Metabolism , National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , Maryland , USA.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A
|August 13, 2015
Summary
Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame-potassium are frequently found in breast milk. Further research is needed to understand the impact of nonnutritive sweetener exposure on infants.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Toxicology
- Human Nutrition
Background:
- Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) are widely consumed globally.
- Most NNS, excluding saccharin, are deemed safe during pregnancy and lactation.
- Sucralose and acesulfame-potassium dominate the NNS market and are common food additives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of common NNS in human breast milk.
- To determine the frequency of NNS detection in lactating volunteers' milk samples.
- To assess potential infant exposure to NNS through breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- Collection of breast milk samples from 20 lactating volunteers.
- Analysis of milk samples for saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-potassium.
- Quantification of NNS presence irrespective of maternal NNS consumption habits.
Main Results:
- Saccharin, sucralose, and acesulfame-potassium were detected in 65% of breast milk samples.
- Aspartame was not detected in any of the analyzed samples.
- NNS were frequently found in breast milk, suggesting common infant exposure.
Conclusions:
- Nonnutritive sweeteners are commonly transferred to breast milk.
- Nursing infants are frequently exposed to NNS via maternal milk consumption.
- Clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the implications of early NNS exposure.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
10.3K
Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living things consume sugar as a major energy source because sugar molecules have considerable energy stored within their bonds. Consumed carbohydrates have their origins in photosynthesizing organisms like plants. During photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide gas into sugar molecules, like glucose. Because this...
10.3K
01:10Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
4.4K
4.4K
01:27Glucose Transporters
28.3K
Glucose transporters facilitate the transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In addition to glucose, some glucose transporters can also aid the movement of other hexoses such as fructose, mannose, and galactose.
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
28.3K
01:24The Physiology of Taste
8.3K
The perception of a salty flavor is facilitated by sodium ions within the oral salivary fluid. Upon consumption of a salty substance, salt crystals disassemble, leading to the liberation of its constituents—Na+ and Cl- ions. These ions subsequently dissolve into the salivary fluid present in the oral cavity. The external environment of the gustatory cells experiences an elevation in Na+ concentration, thereby establishing a potent concentration gradient. This gradient propels the...
8.3K
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
15.0K
Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
15.0K