Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

9/8/03

Q:

Is it safe to use sugar alcohols during pregnancy? Other than the potential (with high intake) to cause diarrhea is there any other precautions?

A:

Referring here more to sorbitol and mannitol since they are the more prevalent of the sugar alcohols in the food supply, moderation is always the key. Some women have higher tolerances than others; any sign of diarrhea is "too much." Even chewing gum can cause this reaction in some individuals. My personal opinion based on observation is that it is wisest to be as preservative free as possible in the first trimester, especially. This means eating whole foods without any questionable additives.