Soda drinks up premature labor
Regular consumption of artificially sweetened beverages, promoted as a healthy alternative to sugary sodas and juices, increases the risk of premature births.
Previous studies have linked excessive intake of soft drinks -- both artificially and sugar sweetened beverages -- with high blood pressure.
According to the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, expectant women who drink at least one serving of artificially sweetened soda per day are 38 percent more likely to experience preterm labor.
The risk is reported to be as high as 80 percent in those drinking four diet sodas per day regardless of their weight, the study found.
Aspartame, a key ingredient in many soft drinks, breaks down into methanol and other toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid; all of which had long been linked with shortened pregnancy and labor complications.
The substance has also been alleged to cause brain tumors, seizures and memory loss.
"It may be non-optional for pregnant women to have high consumption of these types of products," said lead researcher Thorhallur I. Halldorsson.
Source: presstv.ir
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