Publication Date: September 20, 2023

Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu

SAN ANTONIO, September 20, 2023 – Researchers from UT Health San Antonio have discovered a link between the daily consumption of diet sodas or aspartame by mothers during pregnancy or breastfeeding and an increased risk of autism in male offspring. The study did not find a similar association in daughters.

The study, published in the Nutrients journal, indicates that males with autism were over three times more likely to have been exposed to these products daily in the womb or through breastfeeding. These findings are based on an analysis of dietary recalls from mothers of 235 children with autism spectrum disorder and 121 children with typical neurological development.

Raymond F. Palmer, PhD, the lead author of the study, notes that these results raise questions about the possible neurological impacts of consuming these drinks during pregnancy. The research suggests a need for additional studies to further explore these associations.

Sharon Parten Fowler, PhD, the principal investigator, emphasizes the importance of caution in the consumption of these products by pregnant or breastfeeding women until further assessments are carried out. This study contributes to a growing body of research suggesting potential negative effects of aspartame and diet drinks on the health of offspring.

Link to the Full Study: Nutrients | Free Full-Text | Daily Early-Life Exposures to Diet Soda and Aspartame Are Associated with Autism in Males: A Case-Control Study

About UT Health San Antonio: UT Health San Antonio is recognized for its teaching, research, patient care, and community engagement programs. The institution is known for its Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, ranked among the top medical schools in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.

Conclusion:

This study by UT Health San Antonio opens a new window in understanding how maternal diet can influence the neurological development of offspring. By establishing an association between the daily consumption of diet sodas and aspartame during pregnancy or breastfeeding and an increased risk of autism in male offspring, it highlights the need for greater scrutiny and caution in dietary choices during these critical stages. Although these findings do not establish direct causality, they point to a critical area for future research and the possibility of reevaluating dietary recommendations for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Additionally, they significantly contribute to the growing body of research suggesting potential adverse effects of aspartame and diet sodas on the long-term health of the next generation. This study underscores the importance of continuing to explore and understand the complex factors that contribute to autism spectrum disorder and reinforces the call for caution and informed analysis in health and wellbeing decisions during pregnancy.