Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener that has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional sugar. This rare sugar, found naturally in small amounts in foods like figs and raisins, offers a taste profile very similar to table sugar but with roughly 90% fewer calories per gram. It has become a preferred ingredient in many low-carbohydrate and “sugar-free” products because it does not significantly affect blood glucose or insulin levels. The safety of this novel food additive for pregnant women and their developing fetuses requires careful consideration.
Regulatory Classification
The official safety classification for allulose in the United States comes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has classified allulose as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a general-purpose sweetener in foods and beverages where sugar or fructose would typically be used. The GRAS status means the FDA has no questions regarding the conclusion that allulose is safe for general consumption.
However, the GRAS classification does not specifically address the unique physiological changes and vulnerabilities associated with pregnancy. The regulatory approval focuses on the general population’s consumption under normal conditions of use.
Specific Safety Data in Pregnancy
Scientific evidence regarding the safety of allulose consumption during human pregnancy is extremely limited. Due to ethical considerations, large-scale, controlled clinical trials that specifically test the effects of any novel sweetener on pregnant individuals and their unborn children are not conducted.
Experts and regulatory bodies must rely on a combination of animal studies and general safety data, which often leads to a recommendation for caution. One study on pregnant rats, for example, found that D-allulose administered at very high daily doses up to 5,000 mg per kilogram of body weight did not show any teratogenic effects or adverse developmental toxicity. While animal studies provide some reassurance, the results do not always translate directly to human physiology, especially considering the unique metabolic environment of a developing fetus. The absence of human-specific data means that no major medical organization has issued definitive guidelines for allulose consumption during pregnancy.
How Allulose Affects the Body
Allulose is a monosaccharide, or simple sugar, but it is metabolized by the human body differently than common sugars like glucose or fructose. After consumption, allulose is absorbed into the bloodstream primarily through the small intestine. A significant portion, about 70%, is then excreted unchanged in the urine, while the rest passes through the large intestine. This unique metabolic pathway is why allulose contributes minimal calories to the diet and does not cause a significant spike in blood sugar levels.
Because allulose is not fully absorbed, consuming it in large quantities can lead to dose-dependent gastrointestinal side effects. The most common issues are bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant individuals are often more susceptible to digestive distress due to hormonal changes and physical pressure on the digestive tract, which may lower their tolerance for allulose-related side effects.
Practical Guidance for Expectant Mothers
The principle of moderation and caution is generally advised. Expectant mothers should prioritize whole foods and beverages that are naturally unsweetened or contain sugars with well-established safety profiles. This approach minimizes exposure to novel food additives whose effects on fetal development are not fully understood.
Before incorporating allulose or any novel sweetener into their diet, pregnant individuals should consult with their healthcare provider, such as an obstetrician or a registered dietitian. Professional guidance can help assess the personal risk-benefit ratio, especially for those managing conditions like gestational diabetes. Until more robust, long-term human safety studies are available, limiting or avoiding the intake of allulose is a prudent choice.