Women are becoming increasingly health-conscious and choosing to consume healthy and organic products, especially during pregnancy. The average pregnant woman knows to avoid caffeine, alcohol, toxic cleaning agents and when possible to avoid processed foods. This gives reason for us to pause and reconsider glucose beverages that contain antiquated or unnecessary additives used to lengthen shelf life and prevent ingredient separation. Many glucose beverages were formulated in the 1970s and have had few changes since. Being that glucose tolerance testing is extremely important in pregnancy, yet women are requesting a more palatable beverage, Fresh Test LLC felt it was critical to develop a clean and delicious product with The Fresh Test™. Please note, food alternatives such as juice, jelly beans or Twizzlers have not been validated for use in the oral glucose tolerance test. These products do not contain exact amounts of glucose but may contain fructose and sucrose (disaccharide) which have varying plasma glucose responses. Please reach out for more information. In the past, here are some of the ingredients you may find in traditional glucose (glucola) beverages

Dextrose derived from genetically modified Bt-Corn - GMO Dextrose is derived from conventional (GMO) corn, known as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn. Bt-corn is genetically modified with Bt to help corn plants synthesize their bacterial protein to kill pests. Bt-corn is categorized as a pesticide by the EPA.

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) - BVO contains bromine, which is patented as a flame retardant. Bromine or its metabolites has the potential to bioaccumulate in the body and is toxic to primary hepatocytes and the endocrine system. It was designated by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in 1958. The GRAS designation for BVO was withdrawn in 1970 due to poisonous amounts in animal feed. BVO is banned as a food additive in Europe and Japan. Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants can have negative health effects, including infertility, miscarriage, preterm birth, and neurodevelopmental impairment.¹⁵

Red Dye #40 and Yellow Dye #6 - Food dyes have been associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms in children, migraines, and allergic responses. They may contain benzidine, a human and animal carcinogen. Studies in rats showed that food dyes activate the immune system and accelerate the production of adrenal and testicular tumors.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) - BHA is considered a potential human carcinogen based on evidence in experimental animals. BHA was listed in 1990 as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.

Sodium Benzoate - Sodium benzoates were the reason for a voluntary recall of Perrier bottled waters sold in 1989. This preservative is considered safe (GRAS) by the FDA in only very small doses. Sodium benzoates have long been considered a carcinogen in > micros doses.

Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) - SHMP, a polyphosphate, is found in foods as a sequestrant, thickener, and emulsifier. It's also typically used in cosmetics and oral care as a corrosion inhibitor. In acute studies, rabbits fed 10% SHMP had pale and swollen kidneys.

BPA found in plastic packaging - BPA is a chemical with reported adverse associations such as infertility, miscarriage, and neurodevelopmental impairment.