12-30-1984;60(12):2237-2240. feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings. Rios-Leyvraz M, et al. Can Fam Physician. A 2017 review exploring health-outcomes and complications linked to zero-calorie sweeteners concluded that not enough studies had been done to make a judgment about stevias overall safety. Exp Biol Med (Maywood.) Gregersen S, Jeppesen PB, Holst JJ, Hermansen K. Antihyperglycemic effects of stevioside in type 2 diabetic subjects. 5 Best Sugar Substitutes for People with Diabetes, Diet Drinks Won't Protect Heart Health Any Better Than Sugary Drinks: Study, Study: Raw Honey May Improve Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels, Stevia, Nature's Zero-Calorie Sustainable Sweetener: A New Player in the Fight Against Obesity, Additional information about high-intensity sweeteners, Effects of aspartame-, monk fruit-, stevia- and sucrose-sweetened beverages on postprandial glucose, insulin and energy intake, Sucralose administered in feed, beginning prenatally through lifespan, induces hematopoietic neoplasias in male swiss mice, Health outcomes of non-nutritive sweeteners: analysis of the research landscape, Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals, Low-Dose Stevia (Rebaudioside A) Consumption Perturbs Gut Microbiota and the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward System, he hidden hazardous effects of Stevia and sucralose consumption in male and female albino mice in comparison to sucrose, Rebaudioside affords hepatoprotection ameliorating sugar sweetened beverage- induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, FDA regulatory approach to steviol glycosides. Remain wary and read labels to make sure you're not consuming stevia leaf or crude extracts, which have not been approved by the FDA. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Although stevia may help control blood sugar in people with diabetes, it was also once thought that long-term or heavy stevia consumption might cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. The study concluded that stevia may act as an endocrine disruptor, or a chemical that can interfere with hormones. View abstract. The Mayo Clinic reports that there are a few side effects associated with using stevia: Dizziness Muscle pains Numbness Nausea Gas Bloating These side effects are not serious and only last a short duration if at all. Theres a big difference between the stevia you buy at the grocery store and the stevia you may grow at home. Uncontrolled Blood Sugar: How Dangerous Is It. Stevia, not to be confused with Splenda, is a sugar substitute sweetener that comes from the plant Stevia rebaudiana, which is native to South America. Life Sci 1998;63:1679-84. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Effect of calcium and verapamil on renal function of rats during treatment with stevioside. This amount is called the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. Stevia sweeteners don't have calories and are a good choice for people trying to lose weight. But if you use it throughout the day, the carbs add up. indigestion. Though stevia leaf extract is generally recognized as safe, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) formed the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for consumption. View abstract. Investigation of the antihypertensive effect of oral crude stevioside in patients with mild essential hypertension. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Toskulkao C, Sutheerawatananon M, Wanichanon C, et al. Stamataki NS, Crooks B, Ahmed A, McLaughlin JT. People who drank high levels of diet soda, which typically contains NSSs, had increased rates of metabolic syndrome as well as Type 2 diabetes. Despite this, stevia contains no calories or carbohydrates, compared to sugar which has 15 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates per teaspoon. Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals. Nutrition Journal. Bioorg.Med.Chem. The FDA considers stevia and its compounds steviol glycosides safe, deeming it "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). Learn more. Dextrose is glucose, and maltodextrin is a starch. Stevia products found on grocery store shelves, such as Truvia and Stevia in the Raw, dont contain whole stevia leaf. Whole-leaf stevia and crude stevia extract, including stevia youve grown at home, are not safe to use if youre pregnant. The study found stevia lowered total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides with no negative side effects. However, as the research on stevia itself is limited, it's safe to say that incorporating this natural sweetener into your diet as a sugar substitute will likely yield greater benefits than risks. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. These can be added to foods or drinks at home. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. A January 2015 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology explained that there's little evidence to support that there is any link between allergic reactions and highly purified stevia extracts. However, the ADI for steviol is 4 milligrams (mg) per kilogram body weight per day. A 2013 study carried out in a laboratory found that stevia reduced cyst growth in kidney cells. Effects of stevioside and steviol on intestinal glucose absorption in hamsters. Truvia vs. Stevia: Whats the Difference? All rights reserved. Some have no calories. Don't get tricked by these 3 heart-health myths, Get to know the new Nutrition Facts label, Nutrition rules that will fuel your workout, Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health. Hsieh MH, Chan P, Sue YM, et al. It's possible this is because people who consume a lot of sweet food or drinks in general even those with NSSs experience a greater craving for sweeter and unhealthy foods. 2016;2016:5967907. Phytother Res 2006;20:732-6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is derived from the leaves of theStevia rebaudianaplant and has been used for centuries in South America. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. However, research supporting the safe use of less refined stevia compounds is still lacking. Prakash I, Dubois GE, Clos JF, et al. Whole-leaf stevia isnt approved for commercial use, but you can still grow it for home use. October 4, 2021. View abstract. DOI: Has stevia been approved by FDA to be used as a sweetener? How sweet it is: All about sugar substitutes. Common side effects of stevia include: Allergic reaction This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Stevia, also called Stevia rebaudiana, is a plant that is a member of the chrysanthemum family, a subgroup of the Asteraceae family (ragweed family). Some people use products called sugar substitutes, also known as artificial sweeteners. Sugar substitutes are in many kinds of foods and drinks labeled sugar-free or diet. Other research is looking at long-term use of sugar substitutes and the gut. If we combine this information with your protected And it's best to use sugar substitutes for a short time, or just every once in a while. The FDA allows product-makers to use sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol, too. EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF), Younes M, Aquilina G, et al. Accessed Nov. 14, 2022. Study participants consumed 20 milliliters of stevia extract daily for one month. Ive heard its good for weight control. Review/update the This is because stevia can lower blood sugars and blood pressure, and act as a diuretic. Artificial sweeteners and cancer. (2015). 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). https://professional.diabetes.org/sites/professional.diabetes.org/files/pel/source/sugar_substitutes.pdf. The hidden hazardous effects of Stevia and sucralose consumption in male and female albino mice in comparison to sucrose. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1995;41:105-13. However, one noted limitation in this study is that it took place in a laboratory setting, rather than in a real-life situation in a persons natural environment. Scientific Reports. Many sugar substitutes taste sweeter than sugar. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. Stevia leaf extract, known to most as stevia, is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener used as asugar substitute. They generally don't raise blood sugar levels, so they're a good sugar alternative for people . And that can make drinking enough water a challenge. While some studies have shown stevia can be used to manage diabetes and weight loss, a study published in July 2017 in Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that consuming nonnutritive sweeteners frequently may actually result in an increase in body mass index (BMI). Potential complications with the overuse of stevia products during pregnancy include: Researchers still do not understand the full range of risks associated with stevia. Structures of the novel diterpene glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana. Is this how abdominal fat leads to diabetes? View abstract. The following are few of the asserted side effects or dangers of stevia: 1. These ingredients may get your tastebuds used to sweetness. Both of these sweeteners are options for people who need to cut table sugar. Low blood sugar: Stevia has the potential to lower blood sugar (blood glucose), especially in those using it to replace sugar. Yasukawa, K., Kitanaka, S., and Seo, S. Inhibitory effect of stevioside on tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in two-stage carcinogenesis in mouse skin. Researchers are checking to see if sugar substitutes affect cravings for sweets, the way people feel hunger and how the body manages blood sugar. When you want to add a pinch of sweet taste to your food or drinks without the pitfalls of sugar, you may find yourself turning to sugar alternatives like stevia. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. Stevia is used in sugar- and calorie-reduced food and beverage products as an alternative for variants with sugar. Planta Med 2005;71(2):108-113. Stevioside may also help decrease some mitochondrial pathways that help cancer grow. Microbiol Immunol 1997;41:1005-9. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with A 2016 study found that human sperm cells exposed to steviol experienced an increase in progesterone production. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. Curi R, Alvarez M, Bazotte RB, et al. For some people, it may raise blood sugar and insulin levels. In this case, Reb-A has been evaluated for safety during pregnancy and otherwise. Anything that actively lowers blood pressure can cause health complications with excessive, long-term use. ", Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications: "Preliminary Analysis of the Effect of Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage I to Stage III)", Physiology & Behavior: "Metabolic Effects of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners", Canadian Medical Association Journal: "Nonnutritive Sweeteners and Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Cohort Studies", Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: "Stevia", Food and Chemical Toxicology: "Steviol Glycoside Safety: Are Highly Purified Steviol Glycoside Sweeteners Food Allergens? While several studies have identified potential side effects of stevia over the last few decades, most were done using laboratory animals, and many have since been disproved. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. 2020;150(5):1126-1134. Stevia (Pure Via, Truvia) Artificial sweeteners are also called sugar substitutes, low-calorie sweeteners or nonnutritive sweeteners. It also may raise your risk of serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. The study also found that stevia may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Chen, T. H., Chen, S. C., Chan, P., Chu, Y. L., Yang, H. Y., and Cheng, J. T. Mechanism of the hypoglycemic effect of stevioside, a glycoside of Stevia rebaudiana. Cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing activities of steviol and isosteviol derivatives against human cancer cell lines [Abstract]. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. This content does not have an English version. Sugars, granulated. Indigenous people in South America have been using it as a sweetener for hundreds of years, according to a study published in May 2015 in Nutrition Today. This means it has almost no calories. Carbohydr.Res 6-1-2011;346(8):1057-1060. Kinghorn, A. D., Soejarto, D. D., Nanayakkara, N. P., Compadre, C. M., Makapugay, H. C., Hovanec-Brown, J. M., Medon, P. J., and Kamath, S. K. A phytochemical screening procedure for sweet ent-kaurene glycosides in the genus Stevia. Effects of chronic administration of Stevia rebaudiana on fertility in rats. D'Agostino, M., De Simone, F., Pizza, C., and Aquino, R. [Sterols in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni]. Sugar alcohols, stevia and luo han guo can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea. other information we have about you. For adults and children with overweight or obesity, sugar substitutes also might help manage weight in the short term. Phytochemistry 2003;64:913-21. Food Chem. (2010). Geuns JM. Eating whole is way of eating that focuses on fresh, natural foods. The Best Sugar Substitutes for People with Diabetes. Allergic reactions. But other things people do, or healthy habits that people don't do, may be the cause of the higher risk. Stevia also has blood pressure and blood glucoselowering effects, so people on certain medications or conditions should speak with their healthcare provider before using stevia for a prolonged period. 2019;11(6):1248. View abstract. 000252. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Psychological Effects (2013). Can ice cream really be healthy? View abstract. Klongpanichpak, S., Temcharoen, P., Toskulkao, C., Apibal, S., and Glinsukon, T. Lack of mutagenicity of stevioside and steviol in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100. When used as a sweetener or to flavor foods, experts do not consider highly purified stevia to cause adverse side effects. The hemodynamic effects of rebaudioside A in healthy adults with normal and low-normal blood pressure. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/additional-information-about-high-intensity-sweeteners-permitted-use-food-united-states. Stevia can also interact with certain medications, so it is important to discuss stevia with a doctor before consuming or purchasing the product. Advertisements 3. View abstract. View abstract. Accessed Nov. 14, 2022. 2002;25(11):1488-1490. So very little is needed to sweeten foods and drinks. Which is a leading reason it's studied for use in diabetic patients. Know your limit for added sugars. (2017). Maki KC, Curry LL, Carakostas MC, et al. There's concern that raw stevia herb may harm your kidneys, reproductive system, and cardiovascular system. include protected health information. Rebaudioside affords hepatoprotection ameliorating sugar sweetened beverage- induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Dizziness Some people have reported feeling dizzy after taking stevia. For these reasons, it may be useful for people taking steps to control . According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of allergic reaction may include: Tingling or itching in the mouth. We avoid using tertiary references. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Stevia comes from the Asteraceae family of plants, which as a whole has been linked to certain allergies. Lemus-Mondaca R, Vega-Galvez A, Zura-Bravo L, Ah-Hen K. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, source of a high-potency natural sweetener: A comprehensive review on the biochemical, nutritional and functional aspects. Guilt-Free Ice Cream Is Trending, but Is It Actually Healthy? Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. View abstract. In fact, evidence is still inconclusive in many ways as to how stevia affects the body over time. This has since been proven highly unlikely, except in individuals with abnormally low blood sugar levels. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Effects of the Daily Consumption of Stevia on Glucose Homeostasis, Body Weight, and Energy Intake: A Randomised Open-Label 12-Week Trial in Healthy Adults. One of the highly touted benefits of artificial sweeteners is that they have v irtually no calories. Nettleton, J.E., et al. The FDA and food safety agencies in other countries also suggest how much of a sugar substitute you can safely have each day. View abstract. Metabolism 2004;53:101-7. Interestingly, stevia isn't a new discovery either. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. And while the study published in December 2015 in Physiology & Behavior also investigated whether stevia can impair gut flora in the digestive tract, more research is needed to solidify the link. By Rebecca Valdez, MS, RDN Safety of a proposed amendment of the specifications for steviol glycosides (E 960) as a food additive: to expand the list of steviol glycosides to all those identified in the leaves of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of In general, experts need to do more studies to learn what long-term health effects sugar substitutes might have on children. information submitted for this request. It found that many stevia glycoside derivatives were toxic to specific leukemia, lung, stomach, and breast cancer cell lines. Since Stevia helps to reduce high blood pressure, it can also low down the blood pressure when consumed on a regular basis. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. View abstract. Stevia contains zero calories and carbohydrates, while sugar contains 15 calories and 4 carbohydrates per teaspoon. View abstract. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only consider high-purity steviol glycosides to be safe for human consumption currently. If you have diabetes, stevia may help keep your blood sugar levels in check. Stevia side effects. However, not enough research exists to support this claim. Can whole-grain foods lower blood pressure? GRN No. It is safe to consume stevia every day. 2020;5:142. Here are 12 benefits of ginkgo biloba. More recent studies, however, have concluded that stevia may help prevent kidney damage. That's because sugar substitutes often are low in calories or have no calories. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Effect of stevia aqueous extract on the antidiabetic activity of saxagliptin in diabetic rats. Many focus on how the gut and brain communicate. Principles and methods for the risk assessment of chemicals. Theres concern that raw stevia herb may harm your kidneys, reproductive system, and cardiovascular system. And there are other possible problems. J Ethnopharmacol 2021;265:113188. Some stevia side effects include digestive or stomach issues, allergies, an increased risk of weight gain and potential endocrine disruption. Routine consumption of these sweeteners may also lead to a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease. (n.d.). In a preliminary 2017 study, rats with diets comprised of up to 3.5 percent stevia for 90 days presented no clinical symptoms and experienced no change in blood chemistry, cellular function, compensation, or appearance. Effects of aspartame-, monk fruit-, stevia- and sucrose-sweetened beverages on postprandial glucose, insulin and energy intake. It's possible people with pollen or plant allergies related to things like ragweed may also be more sensitive to stevia. Get back on track in 5 steps. It may seem strange that a highly refined product is considered safer than a natural one. Nutrition for life: Sugar substitutes. Reducing sugar in your diet, and instead replacing it with other sweeteners, could potentially reduce that risk. View abstract. ", Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology: "In Vitro Bioassay Investigations of the Endocrine Disrupting Potential of Steviol Glycosides and Their Metabolite Steviol, Components of the Natural Sweetener Stevia", Harvard Health: "Sweeteners: Time to Rethink Your Choices? blood pressure conditions and medications. Metabolically activated steviol, the aglycone of stevioside, is mutagenic. fda.gov/aboutfda/transparency/basics/ucm194320.htm, fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm456090.htm, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627124/, diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/artificial-sweeteners/not-completely-carbohydrate.html, krepublishers.com/02-Journals/S-EM/EM-03-0-000-09-Web/EM-03-2-000-2009-Abst-PDF/EM-03-2-137-09-047-Sharma-N/EM-03-2-137-09-047-Sharma-N-Tt.pdf, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/stevia/faq-20057856. Some sugar substitutes also are sold on their own in packets or other containers. Yang, P. S., Lee, J. J., Tsao, C. W., Wu, H. T., and Cheng, J. T. Stimulatory effect of stevioside on peripheral mu opioid receptors in animals. The same study also suggested nonnutritive sweeteners may induce glucose intolerance and metabolic disorders. Effects of stevia on glycemic and lipid profile of type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial. Stevia is safe for most people to use. Taking stevia along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners. Stevia leaf extracts side effects. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-sweet-it-all-about-sugar-substitutes. The agency doesn't consider sugar alcohols to be food additives. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Pepino, M. Y. Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. Melis MS. Consuming too much of any artificial sweetener may cause diarrhea, bloating, gas, or have a laxative. Ajami M, Seyfi M, Abdollah Pouri Hosseini F, et al.