Is Vanilla Extract Harmful to Pregnant Women?
Vanilla extract lends a slightly sweet, but bold flavor to many desserts and baked goods. Because it contains alcohol, you might be wondering if it’s safe to use while you’re pregnant. If you eat foods that contain vanilla extract, you probably don’t need to worry. Ingesting more than that might be harmful, so stick to vanilla-flavored foods and always ask your obstetrician about choosing the healthiest and most appropriate diet for you and your unborn baby.
Vanilla Extract During Pregnancy
As a source of flavoring in food, vanilla extract is safe during pregnancy, according to Drugs.com. A serving of vanilla yogurt or a piece of homemade bread with vanilla extract in the recipe are examples of safe ways of using the flavoring in foods. While there are no records of vanilla being toxic, according to Drugs.com, the lack of research regarding its use during pregnancy suggests that sticking to foods with vanilla over larger doses or supplements is the way to go while you’re pregnant.