Trying To Get Pregnant? Artificial Sweeteners In Diet Soda Might Lessen Chances Of Conceiving Even For IVF Patients - Study

A new study has revealed that habitually drinking diet soda might affect the chances of a woman trying to get pregnant even if this is done through IVF treatments. Its impact on a woman's eggs is no different than if the woman drank regular soft drinks, the researchers have discovered.

Diet soda is usually regarded as a healthier alternative compared to regular soda with its high sugar content. The notion is that since diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, it reduces the health risks attached with sugar intake. But the study has learned that artificial sweeteners might not be good for those trying to have a baby after all.

The study, which has been published on Research Gate, looked into the effects of drinking diet and regular soft drinks among women trying to get pregnant. Done in the course of two years, the research involved 524 patients who have been undergoing IVF treatments.

The researchers studied over 5,548 egg cells from these patients and noted on the eggs' characteristics, such as its shape or deformity. The experts also monitored the eggs after these were injected with sperms to facilitate conception.

Results from the study revealed that the eggs that came from women who love drinking regular or diet soda have increased chances of having defective eggs. Thus, it would be harder for these women to have successful conception even with IVF.

The implication of the study shows that artificial sweeteners found in diet soda deliver a "false promise" as a healthier alternative, according to The Telegraph. "Patients should be advised about the adverse effect of sugar and mainly artificial sweeteners on the success of assisted reproduction," the study authors headed by Gabriela Halpern wrote in their research, according to Daily Mail.

Additionally, because artificial sweetener is a food additive, its intake must be given serious consideration in women trying to get pregnant. "The environment in which the egg develops is very sensitive to external influences and we shouldn't underestimate the potential effects of food additives to reproductive health," British Fertility Society expert Adam Balen said.