What's your view on sweeteners during treatment?

[ChatWithMe]

Just that really...

I have always had saccharin or aspartame in drinks like fizzy drinks, coffee, hot chocolate and squash. Maybe on average twice daily in small amounts (one glass of squash and one hot chocolate for example). We had a successful ICSI in 2017 without any change to our use of sweeteners.

I realise the research into the association between gamete quality (sperm and egg) and sweetener use is largely using mice models or retrospective patient self reporting. So I'm not entirely convinced but considering taking a break from them (to just have unsweetened tea and water) for my upcoming treatments (FET then ICSI). However, my DH wants to continue taking them himself so can't force him to stop.

Just want to know what you all think and what you actually do yourselves during treatment?

Thanks for replies x

Hi, I never had a sweet tooth so for me it's easy to say don't touch a thing. But I agree with the experts sugar messes up your insulin resistancy and sweeteners are ever worse than natural sugar/honey/maple syrup etc. Also don't have too many fruits either its full of sugar. It's hard at the beginning but your tastes buds will change with time and you won't miss the sweet taste after a while.

I've cut back on diet cokes to the odd can here and there a week. I read a study which suggested IVF success rates are reduced by as much as 25% - but to be honest I've had cycles where not drunk it all during the cycle and others where i have abs outcome has largely been the same

Thanks Chicasimona & ivfgottostaypositive. I have a big sweet tooth so avoiding sweet stuff completely is out of the question lol I actually have designated days of the week to eat one sweet treat :-) I avoid a regularity of sweet treats for my dental health as well. Yes it's hard to tell what has helped and what hasn't. I just want to do my best this last FET and ICSI so I can give myself a pat on the back for trying my best at the end of it all. I'm already good about keeping below the recommended caffeine intake. That's easier than the sweet front!

Interesting discussion. Do you think sucralose is also as detrimental? It seems to be very low on glycemic index.

Well it's a non-nutritive sweetener so it's something to avoid too perhaps. How much do you have normally and during treatment Dia12?

I followed a keto/very low carb diet during my last cycle which actually gave me my best results.

Because I was quite strict I really didn't even have many sucralose based products except for squash which made it easier for me to drink more water.

Ah ok. Sounds like low carb works for some. Glad your last cycle was successful. Just want it to be August 1st to know outcome of our next go!

Oh I meant July 1st lol Not that it matters x