"Diet soda consumption during pregnancy linked to autism in boys, study reveals"

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio suggests a potential link between autism diagnosis in boys and their mothers consuming at least one diet soda daily or an equivalent amount of the sweetener aspartame during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The study found that boys with autism were more than three times as likely to have a mother who drank diet soda daily while pregnant or breastfeeding compared to boys without autism. However, no statistically significant association was found with girls. The researchers recommend further research to explore this link and advise caution for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers consuming diet sodas or products containing aspartame.