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Effects of a Non-nutritive Sweetener Reduction Intervention in Pregnancy and Lactation on Maternal and Infant Outcomes
Sponsor: George Washington University
Summary
The effects of consuming non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) during pregnancy and lactation on infant obesity and cardiometabolic disease risk are not well understood. In this project, pregnant women who frequently consume NNS will be randomly assigned to an NNS-restriction intervention (NNS restriction during pregnancy and lactation or during lactation only) or a control group (no NNS restriction) to determine whether NNS consumption during pregnancy and/or lactation affects infant body composition, maternal blood sugar during pregnancy, and the infants' gut microbiome and metabolome. The results of this study have the potential to shape recommendations around NNS consumption during pregnancy and lactation, thereby potentially improving maternal and infant metabolic health and reducing the global burden of obesity and cardiometabolic disease.
Official title: Effects of a Non-nutritive Sweetener Reduction Intervention in Pregnancy and Lactation on Maternal and Infant Outcomes (the SweetPea Trial)
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
324
Start Date
2024-08-19
Completion Date
2029-02-01
Last Updated
2026-02-18
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
NNS Restriction Intervention
Discuss current scientific literature surrounding NNS consumption, obesity, and chronic disease and the emerging evidence that consumption in pregnancy/lactation may have unfavorable effects on infants' adiposity and health. Provide detailed handouts, which will include a list of specific foods and beverages containing NNS to avoid during the study and summarize current scientific evidence on the metabolic and health effects of NNS. Emphasize that sugar is not the best alternative to NNS, and that the participant should drink still water, sparkling water, flavored waters with no added sweeteners, or unsweetened tea instead. Bi-weekly shipments of unsweetened beverages of participant's choice to replace usual consumption of NNS containing beverages. Automated text messages will also be sent to mothers once per week with reminders that they should avoid NNS
Control Intervention
Counsel about best practices for home safety and babyproofing. Provide a detailed booklet to take home, which will provide information about home safety and baby proofing. Educate about common causes of accidental infant and young child injuries or death. Automated text messages will also be sent to mothers once per week with reminders about home safety, infant safety, and baby proofing.
Locations (1)
The George Washington University
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States