Non-nutritive sweeteners consumption during pregnancy associates with reduced Lactobacillaceae in colostrum and lower gestational age at birth: A pilot study

Background: . Human milk is essential for establishing the newborn’s gut microbiota, which can have an impact on future health. Several studies indicate that Non-nutritive Sweeteners (NNS) can modify the intestinal microbiota, promoting metabolic dysfunction in humans and rodents; however, the influence of NNS on human milk microbiota is unknown. This study aimed to assess changes in the relative abundance of several of bacterial groups in colostrum of women who consumed NNS during pregnancy. Methods: . This cross-sectional, pilot study included 39 women that gave birth to a live, healthy newborn in the General Hospital of Mexico. We assessed mothers’ diet and NNS consumption by validated questionnaires and the relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae , Lachnospiraceae , Roseburia , Eubacteriales , and Bacteroidales in colostrum samples by real-time PCR. Results: . Twenty-six women (66%) showed a low NNS consumption (<350 mg/week), whereas 13 (33%) showed a high NNS consumption (≥350 mg/week). The Lactobacillaceae relative abundance significantly decreased in the high NNS consumption group compared to the low NNS group (12.36±11.29 vs. 4.41±2.84, respectively; P< .001). NNS consumption associated with lower gestational age determined by the Capurro method or Ultrasound/Last Menstrual Period (r=-0.320, P = .025; and r=-0.355, P = .018, respectively). Conclusion: NNS consumption during pregnancy is associated with decreased Lactobacillaceae abundance in colostrum and lower gestational age. The effects of NNS consumption during pregnancy on breast milk microbiota and gestational age should be further investigated. Study registration This study was registered in ClinicalTrials, number NCT03912038.