Can pregnant women chew gum? Can pregnant women chew gum: possible consequences, reviews. Controversial chewing gum

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Here's what I read on the net:
If you think that pregnant women should only drink alcohol and smoke, you are mistaken. For example, they are not recommended chewing gum Dirol. This is what is stated on the packaging of this product.

“Contraindicated in patients with phenylketonuria. Information for sale in Belarus: not recommended for pregnant and lactating women."

Chewing gum contains the sweetener aspartame, which is contraindicated in patients with phenylketonuria because it contains phenylalanine.

Phenylketonuria is a disease associated with metabolic disorders, diagnosed in one out of 10 thousand newborns, Lenta.Ru reports. According to food labeling standards in our country, pregnant women must be warned about the danger.

But pay attention to the composition of chewing gum of two well-known brands.

Ingredients of Dirol chewing gum: isomalt, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol syrup, aspartame, acesulfame-K, rubber base, calcium carbonate 4%, natural flavors: mint, menthol, natural vanillin, artificial refresher, thickener E414, stabilizer E422, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, emulsifier E322, colorant E171, glazing agent E903, antioxidant E321, texturizer E341iii. Ingredients of Orbit chewing gum: sorbitol E420, maltitol E965, rubber base, thickener E414, stabilizer E422, natural, nature-identical and artificial flavors, mannitol E421, emulsifier soy lecithin, color E171, sweeteners aspartame E951, acesulfame K E950, sodium bicarbonate E500ii, glaze E903, antioxidant E320.

It is obvious that “aspartame”, and accordingly phenylalanine, is present in both chewing gum. In addition, aspartame is found in Wrigley's gum, in Coca-Cola, Pepsi drinks, and in diet products that use sugar substitutes.

At the same time, phenylalanine for a person who does not have a history of phenylketonuria is not some kind of potentially dangerous substance. This is an essential amino acid that the human body needs daily.

Moreover, according to Alexander Baturin, deputy director for scientific work at the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, phenylalanine is not dangerous for pregnant women and their children: according to studies conducted back in 1979 by American scientists, when the level of this substance in the mother’s blood increases, the placenta almost completely prevents the increase in the level phenylalanine in fetal blood. This is precisely what Russian standards are based on, according to which a special warning must be applied to foodstuffs not required.

Belarusian doctors, as we see, in relation to the phenylalanine found in Dirol chewing gum, adhere to the principle that God saves.

In general, talking about a separate ingredient in chewing gum does not exclude the question - what do chewing gum consist of in general? The Fitness portal draws attention to the fact that most of the ingredients, in addition to phenylalanine, are far from harmless.

1.Latex is the basis of chewing gum. So far it is considered harmless. However, complete studies have not been carried out.

2. Flavors, natural and identical to them. They are not always harmless, because they are often obtained chemically (synthesis). Sanitary standards allow this.

3. Dyes. If you see E171 on the packaging, you should know that this is the so-called titanium white. Previously in Russia food products they were banned, but now the ban does not apply (money matters a lot). This dye causes liver and kidney diseases. Stimorol chewing gum contains the dye E-131, which promotes the formation of cancer cells.

There is more and more new information about dyes that is not always reassuring to the consumer. Last year in Belarus, for example, a decree of the chief state sanitary doctor of Belarus introduced a ban on the production, use, import, and circulation of products in the manufacture of which the dye E128, the so-called purple, was used.

4. Sweeteners. There are different ones. The aforementioned aspartame is just one of them.

In general, think about what you chew!

Is the habitual chewing gum, which has been in the mouths of many people for several decades, prohibited for pregnant women? Why? And anyway, where do such strange thoughts come from?

We do not offer simple answers; unfortunately, today there are simply none. However, this does not mean that there is nothing to talk about here, because there is a lot of interesting information. This means there is something to think about. This article will provide information that will help you get closer to understanding whether pregnant women can chew gum, and perhaps give up this harmful habit.

Chewing gum during pregnancy and teeth

What can chewing gum give or take away during pregnancy? Let's start from the top - with the teeth.

Every day TV commercials dazzle us with their smiles, telling us that without X chewing gum (Orbit, Dirol, Wrigley's, Airwaves, etc.) they would have a hard time and their teeth would certainly turn black and fall out.

The opinion is interesting, but has little to do with the truth. Because no chewing gum is simply capable of completely cleaning your teeth (unless the distance between adjacent teeth is half a centimeter). And there is probably no need for evidence here. Everyone is already convinced of this. But advertising is no joke and “cleanses” the brain almost to the holes...

True, fashionable chewing gum has one advantage - your breath becomes fresher, but this is a slightly different story. Therefore, in this regard, pregnant women are unlucky.

How can chewing gum during pregnancy cause harm? Since we are talking about teeth, let’s remember about fillings that come out perfectly under the influence of chewing gum. And you shouldn’t place all the blame on dentists who perform their duties poorly, because this also happens with good fillings, which are simply torn off by the “chewing vacuum.” Yes, yes, not only glue is evil, the vacuum between the chewing gum and the tooth is no less harmful.

But the loss of a filling is not the main reason why chewing gum is contraindicated during pregnancy. The whole “salt” is that a pregnant woman before giving birth (or even longer) will not be able to visit the dentist, since it is either painful or involves anesthesia, which is harmful for the child.

By the way, if chewing gum contains sugar, then such chewing gum is doubly dangerous for pregnant women, because it literally “eats” the enamel of the teeth. Well, not by herself, of course. The enamel is eaten by bacteria, which multiply most quickly in a sweet-sugar environment. In addition, a pregnant woman is in great need of calcium, as a result of which there may simply not be enough to patch holes in her teeth. You already know about the dentist...

So, if your teeth could tell whether pregnant women can chew gum, they would definitely tremble in fear. Although this may not have scared you at all.

Well, then let's think some more about why pregnant women shouldn't chew gum.

Is it possible for pregnant women to chew gum, or How many E-shells are in one chewing gum

There is currently a buzz on the Internet about aspartame (E951), which is added to many well-known chewing gums instead of sugar. Some say that phenylalanine, one of the components of aspartame, negatively affects the hormonal levels of the pregnant woman and the fetus. This means that such chewing gum is contraindicated for pregnant women.

Others argue that phenylalanine is a common amino acid that the body needs, and therefore pregnant women can chew gum without any concern (unless they have phenylketonuria). In addition, phenylalanine practically does not pass through the placenta.

In general, there is no clear and unambiguous “possible” or “impossible” to answer this question. But you should still know that Belarusian doctors prescribed “not recommended for pregnant and lactating women” on Dirol chewing gum. Maybe not in vain?

It must be said that aspartame is not the only controversial component of chewing gum. In addition to it, there are a bunch of other “harmless” sweeteners, flavors and dyes, the harmfulness of which we have yet to learn about. Even latex, the basis of chewing gum, has not been fully studied.

Moreover, some chewing gum is harmful not only during pregnancy. Moreover, this is no longer speculation and empty talk, but an immutable fact. Until recently, Stimorol chewing gum contained the dye E131, which can cause cancer. Who knows, maybe in six months it will be discovered that E171 or some other “E” leads to the same consequences (by the way, E171 was already banned, but money helped it return). Such a story recently happened with E128 in the same Belarus.

Finally

Can pregnant women chew gum? Actually, no, but each woman decides for herself whether her pregnancy is a contraindication to chewing gum. And I really want to believe that now all pregnant women will be able to correctly assess the threat from chewing gum and will throw away even the packages that have already been started...

It is believed that the chewing reflex is the most ancient and necessary for life. Having lost the ability to chew, a person faces serious trials due to nutritional problems.

Controversial chewing gum

With the appearance of chewing gum on the shelves, many people fell in love with it, and gradually chewing a small lump became a habit. But if the fan is a pregnant woman, what should she do? Is it possible to still chew or should you give up your addiction for a while?

Doctors are either very categorical about this, warning about the impending dangers of this product, or are more supportive, not finding any particular concern. But still in these nine months female body weakened, the teeth also suffer from this, which is why dentists urgently remind you of the need to check their condition while a new life is maturing in the stomach.

Chewing gum, due to its sticking effect, makes it very easy to remove the filling that is in the tooth over time. A so-called “chewing vacuum” occurs. Often it is the rubber band, and not the doctor, who is to blame for having to seek help from the dentist again. Since additional stress and anesthesia are not advisable at this time, it is necessary to take care of your teeth. And if your favorite gum contains a large percentage of sugar, then the enamel will suffer first of all, because in a sweet and sour environment various bacteria multiply very comfortably, which feast on the enamel.

Is the fetal body in danger?

But there is no less dangerous fact, which can negatively affect the health of the fetus. If you set a goal to study the composition of each chewing gum, then to a lesser/greater extent you will definitely find the letter “E”, which turns out to be in in this case a stern warning that the composition suggests danger.

For example, the presence of aspartame, that is, “E 951,” can be found in almost every gum. It is used instead of sugar, but doctors say that this substance can change hormonal levels thanks to the ingredient phenylalanine, not only in the female body, but also in the unborn baby. But there is another opinion - this is just a harmless amino acid, and during this period it is especially important for two, but practically does not pass through the placenta.

But discussions also continue around various other components when it comes to various flavoring additives and food colorings. For example, alarm was raised by evidence that many well-known gum contained the component “E 131,” which was listed as a common dye. But in fact, it can push the body towards cancer.

What about latex, without which any chewing gum cannot exist? Scientists have not yet fully figured out what it is capable of in the human body, especially since no experiments have ever been conducted with pregnant women. It is not clear how this substance affects the embryo. If the female body still requires something similar, then there are natural substitutes - natural resins.

But the positive effects of chewing gum are very significant. And the main thing is that it helps fight such an unpleasant phenomenon as toxicosis, which helps many pregnant women. In this case, gum with a mint effect is especially in demand, which is enough to chew for several minutes, and the nausea will subside. Even on airplanes, when many passengers experience discomfort during the flight, chewing soothes and relieves the gag reflex.

Precautionary measures

1. But still, you should not use the gum for more than 10 minutes, even if it pleasantly massages the gums. It has been proven in practice that chewing for too long begins to cause a reverse reaction in the body, then vomiting and nausea appear.
2. If a woman had problems with gastrointestinal tract, then during pregnancy you should not aggravate these problems.
3. Pregnant women should take into account that while chewing, a signal is sent to the brain that it is time to process food. This means that gastric juice begins to be actively secreted. And since this signal is false, the juice begins to aggressively affect the walls of the stomach. As a result, diseases such as ulcers and gastritis appear. Therefore, while chewing gum, the stomach should not be empty.

Why doctors are prejudiced against chewing gum

1. It contains a lot of sugar, and it is known to provoke increased level blood glucose.
2. Various additives can cause allergic reactions.
3. Sugar substitutes sometimes cause pain in the intestines and stomach, and provoke diarrhea.
4. Liquorice, which is part of chewing gum, increases blood pressure and promotes rapid leaching of potassium from the body.
5. Mouth ulcers and inflammation on the outer corners of the mouth are caused by oils and flavorings in the product.

Video: the benefits and harms of chewing gum

During pregnancy, a woman’s body functions for itself and for the child, and the child takes on most of the nutrients. During pregnancy, microelements and calcium are transferred to the fetus. From which they are built bone tissue fetus It is not uncommon for expectant mothers to notice thinning enamel on their teeth and the first signs of tooth decay.

Why pregnant women shouldn't chew gum

Frequent use of chewing gum by pregnant women can worsen the destruction of tooth enamel and the tooth itself. It will be difficult to treat a tooth; most often, painkillers are contraindicated. Also, most of these gum are contraindicated due to their high sugar content. And if we see the inscription “Sugar Free” on the label, then the composition contains a sugar substitute - sucrasite.

The main content of this substance is an amino acid that can negatively affect the balance of hormones in the body of a woman and her child. In addition to all this, chewing gum contains various dyes and taste improvers, which have been little studied. In any case, it is better not to abuse chemicals, so it is not possible to predict what reaction they may cause.

But if we study in detail what is contained in chewing gum, then on almost every one we will see the letter “E”, warning of danger to the unborn child. So, if you look at the composition of chewing gum from different manufacturers, almost all of them contain “E 951”. Also of great concern is the content of the component “E131”: a rather harmful dye that can cause cancer.

A few more are not allowed...

As everyone knows from an early age, chewing gum causes the release of large amounts of gastric juice. For this reason, doctors do not advise chewing gum for more than ten minutes.

The basis of chewing gum is latex; without it, chewing gum cannot exist. And it is not known how it affects the body of a pregnant woman. No experiments have been conducted with pregnant women.

But The main reason for giving up chewing gum is the fact that they contain the chemical sweetener asparmate. When it is absorbed by the body, the substance methanol is released, which dissolves in the blood and is transferred to the child and can interfere with the normal development of the fetus. Methanol can cause miscarriages, stillbirths and serious problems with the health of the unborn baby. In many countries, information work is carried out with expectant mothers.

Have you thought that pregnant women should not chew gum? It would seem that what could be harmful in such a harmless-looking plate, which is highly recommended for preliminary cleaning of teeth after eating? It turns out that not everything is so simple and when you find out quite Interesting Facts about chewing gum, you will want to break the habit of chewing gum not only during pregnancy, but forever.

So let's start from the beginning. Everyone has seen more than once commercials claiming that only chewing gum can save teeth from caries. If you do not chew gum after eating, the manufacturers assure us, your teeth will certainly become covered with black spots, and after some time you will lose them altogether.

At the same time, each of us understands that it is impossible to completely clean your teeth with chewing gum, but maybe it really helps to protect your teeth for a while until you get to toothbrushes? Your breath, at least with its help, really takes on a pleasant minty smell. The trouble lies elsewhere.

Why shouldn't pregnant women chew gum?

The fillings, which were so securely in place in the teeth, simply become loose and fall under the influence of chewing gum. The thing is that when chewing gum, a vacuum effect is created, which turns out to be stronger than even the most reliable filling.

And since pregnant women’s teeth are rather poorly protected, because her body absolutely lacks calcium, even if its reserves are endlessly replenished, then, as a result, endless visits to the dentist begin. And there, as you know, anesthesia is used. And, although special types of anesthesia are used for dental treatment for pregnant women, if it is used too often, it will certainly not be useful for the child.

Chewing gum during pregnancy

Can you chew gum during pregnancy?

Let's look at the composition of chewing gum. More precisely, those mysterious numbers that are there, next to the letter E.

1. Aspartame – E951 is an artificial element, a sweetener that replaces sugar in chewing gum. In essence, it is truly absolutely harmless, but the trouble is that in the human body, under the influence of metabolism, it breaks down into the amino acid phenylalanine and methanol. Of course, the methanol content after using one plate is completely insignificant and, moreover, methanol is synthesized by the human body itself - it is, so to speak, a by-product of its vital activity. But is it worth increasing the amount of methanol in your body during pregnancy? Decide for yourself.
2. Phenylanine, the second component of aspartame, also raises big questions. There is an opinion that, although it does not pass directly through the placenta, it negatively affects the hormonal background of a pregnant woman, and therefore the hormonal background of the fetus, because they are completely interconnected. Although, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that no serious research has been conducted on this topic yet, and there is no confirmed data on this matter. For now there are only assumptions and hypotheses. But is it yours? unborn child– an object for such experiments?

In general, Belarusian doctors have already written on many chewing gums that they are not recommended for use during pregnancy. They believe that pregnant women should definitely not chew gum. Perhaps you should heed their advice too?