Is stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) unhealthy for human consumption?

From the Guidelines

Stevia is generally considered safe for human consumption, with the FDA approving highly purified stevia extracts as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for use as sweeteners in foods. The FDA has approved stevia extracts (steviol glycosides) for use in foods, and these extracts are about 200-300 times sweeter than sugar but contain virtually no calories, making them a popular alternative sweetener for people managing weight or blood sugar levels 1. Some research suggests stevia may offer benefits beyond sweetening, such as potentially helping with blood sugar control and blood pressure management. However, whole-leaf stevia and crude stevia extracts are not FDA-approved for use in food due to inadequate toxicological information. Most people tolerate approved stevia products well, though some may experience mild digestive symptoms. If you have specific health concerns or conditions like diabetes, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before making stevia a significant part of your diet, especially if you're taking medications that might interact with it.

Key Points to Consider

• Stevia extracts are highly purified and approved by the FDA for use in foods
• Stevia is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar but contains virtually no calories
• Some research suggests stevia may have benefits beyond sweetening, such as helping with blood sugar control and blood pressure management
• Whole-leaf stevia and crude stevia extracts are not FDA-approved for use in food due to inadequate toxicological information
• Most people tolerate approved stevia products well, but some may experience mild digestive symptoms

Recommendations for Use

• Consult with a healthcare provider before making stevia a significant part of your diet, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions like diabetes
• Choose highly purified stevia extracts that are FDA-approved for use in foods
• Be aware of the potential for mild digestive symptoms and monitor your body's response to stevia consumption
• Consider the benefits and risks of stevia consumption in the context of your overall diet and health goals, as discussed in recent studies 1.

From the Research

Stevia Consumption and Health

• Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a plant-based sweetener that is zero-calorie and 50-350 times sweeter than sugar, making it an attractive alternative to sugar for health-conscious consumers 2.
• The safety of stevia has been affirmed by several food regulatory and safety authorities around the world, despite some concerns and insufficient education about its benefits 2.
• Stevia has been shown to have potential health benefits, including hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-fertility, and cardiotonic properties 3.

Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Factors

• Some studies suggest that stevia may be a safer alternative for prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with antihyperlipidemic properties and potential benefits for blood sugar and blood pressure management 4.
• However, the evidence is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of stevia on cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in human models 4.
• Stevia has been shown to have no clear correlation between the concentrations of its bioactive components and their biological properties, especially in human models 4.

Pharmacology and Toxicology

• Stevia leaves contain steviol glycosides, which are responsible for the plant's sweet taste and have commercial value as a sugar substitute 5.
• Steviol glycosides have been shown to possess therapeutic effects against several diseases, including cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, inflammation, and tooth decay 5.
• Studies have found that steviol glycosides are not teratogenic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic and cause no acute and subacute toxicity 5.

Human Disease and Inflammation

• Stevia has been shown to have potential benefits against inflammation, carcinogenesis, atherosclerosis, glucose control, and hypertension, despite its minimal systemic absorption 6.
• The effects of stevia on weight change have been linked to bacteria in the intestinal microbiome, mainly by affecting Clostridium and Bacteroides sp. 6.
• Consumption of stevia has been demonstrated to be generally safe in most reports, but further clinical studies are warranted to determine if regular consumption brings sustained benefits for human health 6.