Scientists find link between diet soda and autism
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Nutrients: Scientists Find Link Between Diet Sodas and Autism
Drinking carbonated drinks containing the sweetener aspartame during pregnancy is associated with the development of autism in the child. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the public academic health research center in San Antonio (USA). The results are published by Nutrient magazine.
The findings are based on data from 235 families with at least one child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research study also included data from 121 families with children without autism.
The researchers collected information on diet soda consumption by pregnant women and the amount of aspartame, an artificial sweetener, consumed daily. The results showed that mothers of boys with autism consumed three times more diet soda during pregnancy compared to mothers of boys without the disorder. In addition, increased aspartame consumption was associated with an increased likelihood of a child developing more severe autism. It is important to note that there was no association between carbonated drinks and ASD in girls.
The scientists emphasize that their study does not confirm a cause-and-effect relationship between aspartame and autism. The study design does not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn from the data presented. However, researchers have expressed concern about possible neurological effects on the fetus as a result of diet soda consumption by pregnant women.
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