Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Sucralose (commonly known by the brand name Splenda) is an artificial sweetener made by substituting three chlorine atoms for hydroxyl groups in the sugar molecule, making it approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar with zero calories. It’s used in many sugar-free products,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. It’s composed of two amino acids (phenylalanine and aspartic acid) linked by a methyl ester bond, which breaks down during digestion. Aspartame is commonly found in diet sodas,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol (polyol) found in small amounts in fruits, vegetables, and berries. It has about the same sweetness as sugar but with 40% fewer calories and minimal effects on blood glucose levels. Xylitol is commonly used in…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) that occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. It provides about 6% of the calories of sugar with a similar sweetness profile. Commercially, it’s produced through fermentation of glucose and is used as a low-calorie…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Monk fruit (Luo Han Guo) sweetener is derived from the Siraitia grosvenorii plant, native to southern China. The sweet compounds in monk fruit, called mogrosides, are approximately 150-200 times sweeter than sugar with zero calories. The FDA has designated monk fruit extract…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The FDA has approved highly purified stevia extracts (steviol glycosides) as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). These extracts are 200-300 times sweeter than sugar with zero calories. For…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant but contain negligible amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in marijuana). They are rich in protein, essential fatty acids (particularly omega-3 and omega-6), vitamin E, minerals, and fiber. Hemp seeds are commonly consumed…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit rich in vitamin C, manganese, bromelain (a mixture of enzymes), and other nutrients. It has been traditionally associated with fertility and is often discussed in relation to implantation and early pregnancy, particularly in fertility forums.…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are small, nutrient-dense seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, calcium, and antioxidants. They absorb water and form a gel-like consistency when soaked, and are commonly added to smoothies, puddings, baked goods, and other foods. For individuals…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Alcohol-removed wine and beer products undergo processes to reduce alcohol content, typically through vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, or heat. They contain substantially less alcohol than standard products, though many are not completely alcohol-free. In the US, beverages labeled “non-alcoholic” must contain less…