What is Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) syndrome?

From the Guidelines

Stevia syndrome is not a recognized medical condition, and there is no scientific evidence supporting its existence. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant that is used as a zero-calorie sugar substitute. Despite some anecdotal claims on the internet, there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of a "Stevia syndrome" or any specific collection of symptoms associated with stevia consumption, as noted in studies such as 1. Stevia has been deemed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and is widely used in food products, with a sweetness range of 200-400 times sweeter than sucrose, as reported in 1. Some individuals may experience mild digestive issues like bloating or nausea when consuming stevia, but these are typically individual sensitivities rather than a syndrome. If you experience adverse effects after consuming stevia, you should discontinue use and consult with a healthcare provider to determine if you have a personal sensitivity to this sweetener, as suggested in 1. Your healthcare provider can help identify any underlying causes of symptoms and recommend appropriate alternatives if needed. Key findings and recommendations from studies such as 1 and 1 emphasize the importance of considering the potential effects of nonnutritive sweeteners, including stevia, on children's health and the need for further research in this area. However, the current evidence does not support the existence of a "Stevia syndrome" as a distinct medical condition, and stevia remains a widely used and generally recognized as safe sweetener, as noted in 1.

Some of the key points to consider when evaluating the safety and potential effects of stevia include:

• The FDA's designation of stevia as GRAS, indicating its general recognition as safe for use in food products, as reported in 1
• The lack of scientific evidence supporting the existence of a "Stevia syndrome" or any specific collection of symptoms associated with stevia consumption, as noted in 1 and 1
• The potential for individual sensitivities or adverse effects, such as mild digestive issues, in some individuals who consume stevia, as suggested in 1
• The need for further research on the potential effects of nonnutritive sweeteners, including stevia, on children's health, as emphasized in 1 and 1.

Overall, while stevia is generally recognized as safe and widely used, it is essential to be aware of the potential for individual sensitivities and to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any adverse effects after consuming stevia, as recommended in 1 and 1.

From the Research

Definition and Properties of Stevia

• Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a perennial shrub of the Asteraceae family, native to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay 2.
• The leaves of stevia are sweeter than sucrose with zero calories, and steviol, a diterpenoid glycoside derivative, is sweeter than sucrose and safe for use as a sweetening agent 2.
• Stevia exhibits various properties, including hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-fertility, and cardiotonic effects 2.

Health Benefits and Effects

• Stevia can be used as an alternative sweetener for diabetic and obese people with hyperglycemia, and it has been shown to have no significant effects on blood glucose, HbA1C, insulin, and lipid levels in type 2 diabetic patients 3.
• Stevia may help prevent cardiovascular diseases by modifying risk factors such as cholesterol and blood sugar levels and body weight 4.
• Stevia and its secondary metabolites, particularly nano-stevia, have been shown to reverse hyperglycemia, anxiety, and memory impairment in diabetic rats 5.

Uses and Applications

• Stevia can be used as a natural sweetener in food and beverage products, and it is gaining interest among consumers and food manufacturers due to its plant-based, zero-calorie, and sweet properties 6.
• Stevia leaves with enriched phytoconstituents could be an alternative natural sweetener for children, adults, and older adults who consume sweetened food products 2.