Low-calorie sweeteners and the risk of preterm delivery: results from two studies and a meta-analysis

The possible relation between low-calorie sweeteners (as well as sugar-sweetened beverages) and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes, in particular preterm delivery and low birth weight, has recently become of considerable interest, given the widespread use of low-calorie sweeteners, and the high frequency of preterm deliveries in high-income countries. In a study from Norway, Englund-Ogge et al. 1 considered the possible relation between low-calorie-sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages and preterm delivery using data from 60 761 women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Study cohort. Overall, 3281 preterm deliveries (<37 weeks) were observed, corresponding to 5.4% of all deliveries. Of these, 3.9% were late preterm deliveries (34 to <37 weeks), 0.8% moderately preterm deliveries (32 to <34 weeks) and 0.7% early preterm (<32 weeks) deliveries. There was a moderate association between frequency of use of sugar-sweetened beverages during pregnancy and the risk of preterm deliveries. As compared to women who did not drink sugar-sweetened beverages, the relative risk (RR) was 1.15 for <1 serving/week, 1.15 for 1–6 servings/week, 1.25 for 1 serving/day, 1.19 for 2–3 servings/day and 1.41 for ≥4 servings/day. Allowance was made for age, education, obstetric history and tobacco but not for alcohol. Women …