Is It Safe to Drink SunnyD While Pregnant? Benefits and Concerns

Introduction

Pregnancy comes with a lengthy list of dos and don'ts. Your diet is no exception. With so many rules about what you can and cannot consume, pregnant women often wonder if beverages like SunnyD are off-limits too. Here's what you need to know about drinking SunnyD and other vitamin C-fortified drinks during pregnancy.

What is SunnyD?

SunnyD, short for Sunny Delight, is a citrus juice drink marketed to kids and adults. The bright orange beverage gets its tangy flavor from a blend of juices like orange, tangerine, apple, lemon, and lime.

Unlike 100% pure juices, SunnyD also contains added sweeteners, preservatives, thickeners, and vitamins - especially high levels of vitamin C. A 8-ounce serving of SunnyD provides 100% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C.

Nutritional Profile

An 8-ounce serving of original SunnyD contains:

• 100 calories
• 22g carbohydrates
• 21g sugar
• 100% vitamin C
• 2% calcium
• 2% vitamin B6
• 2% vitamin E
• 2% niacin
• 0g fat
• 40mg sodium

Is It Safe to Drink SunnyD While Pregnant?

The high vitamin C levels in SunnyD lead many pregnant women to wonder if it's safe. Here are some key considerations regarding drinking SunnyD during pregnancy:

Vitamin C

Pregnant women need 85mg of vitamin C daily. The 100% vitamin C in one 8oz serving of SunnyD exceeds this amount. Consuming too much vitamin C during pregnancy may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal cramps, headache, insomnia and kidney stones in rare cases.

Sugar Content

SunnyD contains 21g of sugar per 8oz serving. The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women limit added sugar to 25g per day. Drinking SunnyD regularly could easily surpass this level.

Safety Record

When consumed in moderation, SunnyD is considered safe for pregnant women. There are no specific warnings against drinking pasteurized, shelf-stable SunnyD during pregnancy.

Caffeine Content

SunnyD is caffeine-free, so it does not contribute any amount of this stimulant that pregnant women are advised to limit.

Artificial Sweeteners

Some varieties of SunnyD contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium. There is insufficient evidence on how these sweeteners affect pregnant women and fetuses.

Pasteurization

SunnyD is pasteurized and shelf-stable, meaning the risk of foodborne illnesses like Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli is very low.

Benefits of SunnyD During Pregnancy

When consumed in moderation, SunnyD can provide some benefits for pregnant women:

Vitamin C

Extra vitamin C from SunnyD supports maternal and fetal tissue growth and boosts immunity.

Hydration

SunnyD provides hydration, which is especially important for pregnant women who need extra fluids.

Folate

Orange juice in SunnyD contains some folate, a B vitamin crucial for fetal development and preventing neural tube defects.

Potassium

SunnyD provides potassium to help maintain healthy blood pressure during pregnancy.

Potential Risks and Downsides

There are some potential risks associated with drinking too much SunnyD during pregnancy:

Excess Vitamin C

Consuming very high doses of vitamin C may cause adverse effects like diarrhea, nausea, and kidney stones in rare cases.

Weight Gain

The added sugars in SunnyD can contribute excess calories and lead to excessive weight gain during pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes

High sugar drinks are linked to a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes when consumed often.

Dental Health

The acidic, sugary nature of SunnyD may erode tooth enamel if consumed frequently.

Morning Sickness

Some pregnant women report SunnyD worsens nausea and vomiting symptoms.

Alternatives to SunnyD

If you want to avoid SunnyD but still get nutrients found in the drink, here are some healthier alternatives to consider:

100% Orange Juice

Provides vitamin C and folate without added sugars or preservatives.

Coconut Water

Contains electrolytes like potassium and magnesium to aid hydration.

Decaf Black or Green Tea

Provides hydration and antioxidants without caffeine.

Sparkling Water

Offers hydration with zero calories, sugar, or caffeine.

Skim or Low-Fat Milk

Provides calcium, vitamin D, protein and minimal natural sugar.

Vegetable Juice

Supplies vitamin C and nutrients without excessive sugars.

The Bottom Line

When consumed in moderation, SunnyD is likely safe for most healthy pregnant women. However, it may be best limited due to its vitamin C and sugar content.

Speak to your doctor about your overall diet to determine if drinks like SunnyD fit into a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan. Focus on getting nutrients from wholesome foods and beverages first and foremost.

Stay hydrated, but avoid sugary drinks in excessive amounts. If opting for SunnyD, choose smaller serving sizes and combine with other more nutrient-dense options to reap benefits while minimizing potential risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.