Non-Nutritive Sweeteners in Human Amniotic Fluid and Cord Blood: Evidence of Transplacental Fetal Exposure

Objective This study aimed to investigate human fetal exposure to non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) by analyzing amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. Study Design Concentrations of four NNS (acesulfame-potassium [ace-K], saccharin, steviol glucuronide, and sucralose) were measured in amniotic fluid ( n = 13) and cord blood samples ( n = 15) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Amniotic fluid samples were obtained for research purposes at the time of term elective cesarean birth or clinically indicated third trimester amnioreduction at Mercy Hospital for Women (Melbourne, Australia). All except four women were in the fasting state. Cord blood samples were obtained from an independent cohort of newborns whose mothers were enrolled in a separate clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health. Results Ten of 13 amniotic fluid samples contained at least one NNS (ace-K, saccharin, steviol glucuronide, and/or sucralose). Maximum amniotic fluid NNS concentrations of ace-K, saccharin, steviol glucuronide, and sucralose were 78.9, 55.9, 93.5, and 30.6 ng/mL, respectively. Ace-K and saccharin were present in 100% and 80% of the cord blood samples, with maximal concentrations of 6.5 and 2.7 ng/mL, respectively. Sucralose was not detected and steviol glucuronide was not measurable in any of the cord blood samples. Conclusion Our results provide evidence of human transplacental transmission of NNS. Based on results predominantly obtained from rodent models, we speculate that NNS exposure may adversely influence the offsprings' metabolic health. Well-designed, prospective clinical trials are necessary to understand the impact of NNS intake during pregnancy on human development and long-term health.

Automated summary

This study investigated human fetal exposure to non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) by analyzing amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. Results showed evidence of human transplacental transmission of NNS, suggesting potential adverse effects on metabolic health in offspring. Well-designed, prospective clinical trials are needed to further understand the impact of NNS intake during pregnancy on human development and long-term health.