Diet soda sweeteners found in breast milk – what does that mean for babies?

NCT ID NCT05379270

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: George Washington University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether two common low-calorie sweeteners (sucralose and acesulfame-potassium) from diet soda pass into breast milk and then into a baby's blood. 82 breastfeeding mothers drank one diet soda, and researchers measured sweetener levels in their milk and blood over 72 hours, plus one sample from each baby. The goal was to see if these sweeteners actually reach infants, which would help design future studies on possible health effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: diet soda containing sucralose and acesulfame-potassium
What this could lead to: If it shows these sweeteners do pass into breast milk, it could lead to larger studies on whether early exposure affects infant health.
What could go wrong: This is a small, short-term study that only measures levels, not health effects. It cannot tell us if any exposure is harmful or safe.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Breast Feeding

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BREASTFEEDING

Contacts and locations

Locations

The George Washington University

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20052, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.