August 19, 2010

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
ABA Press Office
(202) 463-6770

AMERICAN BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON LOW-CALORIE SWEETENERS

In response to "Intake of artificially sweetened soft drinks and risk of preterm delivery: a prospective cohort study in 59,334 Danish pregnant women," a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dr. Maureen Storey, senior vice president for science policy for the American Beverage Association, said:

"Low-calorie sweeteners are some of the most studied and reviewed ingredients in the food supply today and have passed rigorous safety assessments. In fact, the safety of low-calorie sweeteners, and diet beverages, is supported by the body of available science as well as regulatory agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and leading health groups including the American Dietetic Association and American Diabetes Association.

This study raises unnecessary concern among pregnant women. The authors themselves acknowledge that their findings cannot demonstrate cause and effect. In fact, they note that the alleged association between diet beverages and premature delivery was ‘primarily driven by medically induced delivery' and that further research is needed.

Importantly, women who are pregnant should seek out, consult with and heed the advice of their health care provider. The key to a healthy pregnancy is seeking good medical care and having a healthy lifestyle - before and during pregnancy. This includes eating a variety of foods and beverages in moderation along with getting regular physical activity."

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.