For these reasons, it may be useful for people taking steps to control . It found that many stevia glycoside derivatives were toxic to specific leukemia, lung, stomach, and breast cancer cell lines. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Ray J, Kumar S, Laor D, et al. Metabolism 2004;53:101-7. Effects of chronic administration of Stevia rebaudiana on fertility in rats. While stevia is generally considered safe to be used in food and drink, some extracts of the plant have not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). In this article, we look at the possible risks and side effects associated with this natural sweetener. Melis MS. J.Agric.Food Chem. (2017). Because of this, it takes only a small amount of artificial sweeteners to sweeten foods. Stevia can also interact with certain medications, so it is important to discuss stevia with a doctor before consuming or purchasing the product. Toskulkao C, Sutheerawatananon M, Wanichanon C, et al. Find out here what makes good sugar. They generally don't raise blood sugar levels, so they're a good sugar alternative for people . Certain chemicals in stevia are commonly used as natural food sweeteners. 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. 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. (n.d.). This article discusses the different forms of stevia and the side effects of this sugar alternative. Because the kidney is responsible for filtering and creating urine, researchers initially thought that long-term consumption of stevia could damage the organ. Since then, research has shown that those findings don't apply to people. 2019;11(6):1248. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:257-622. So try to cut back if you use them a few times a day. Despite a lack of research, many people claim whole-leaf stevia is a safe alternative to its highly refined counterpart or table sugar. Principles and methods for the risk assessment of chemicals. Stevia Beverage Consumption prior to Lunch Reduces Appetite and Total Energy Intake without Affecting Glycemia or Attentional Bias to Food Cues: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Adults. Ashwell M. Stevia, Nature's Zero-Calorie Sustainable Sweetener: A New Player in the Fight Against Obesity. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/how-sweet-it-all-about-sugar-substitutes. It varies by a person's weight and the type of sugar substitute used. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? other information we have about you. Many sugar substitutes taste sweeter than sugar. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects. Reb-A is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar. A study published in December 2015 in Physiology & Behavior notes that certain non-nutritive sweeteners have been linked to a reduction in dental cavities. Last medically reviewed on December 3, 2018. View abstract. There is a problem with 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. 2019;11(12):3036. Though research on the long-term effects of stevia is limited, there is no evidence that it causes cancer. Accessed on: May 6, 2022. People thought that artificial sweeteners wouldn't have the same effect. It also may raise your risk of serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Honey contains mostly sugar, as well as a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants. Friend or Foe? Additional information about high-intensity sweeteners. However, not enough research exists to support this claim. DOI: Azad MB, et al. DOI: Ukiya M, et al. Read our. As with most nonnutritive sweeteners, a major downside is the taste. Despite this, stevia contains no calories or carbohydrates, compared to sugar which has 15 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates per teaspoon. J Agric Food Chem 2008;56:3777-84. For adults and children with overweight or obesity, sugar substitutes also might help manage weight in the short term. 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. For example, Truvia is a blend of Reb-A and erythritol, and Stevia in The Raw is a blend of Reb-A and dextrose (packets) or maltodextrin (Bakers Bag). But if you often have foods and drinks with lots of added sugar, the empty calories can add up. Some studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory properties, though more research is needed to determine the magnitude of this effect. However, some of the common counterfeit ingredients found in stevia mixtures and formulas are linked to serious complications and may cause birth abnormalities. Stevia may be a healthy option for those looking to lower their calorie or carbohydrate intake, such as people with type 2 diabetes. Grembecka, M. (2015). Monitor your blood sugar closely. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. All rights reserved. Sweeteners made with Reb-A are considered novel sweeteners because theyre blended with different sweeteners, such as erythritol (a sugar alcohol) and dextrose (glucose). But because stevia is noncaloric, it's often used as a sugar substitute, especially for people hoping to manage diabetes or obesity. GRN No. Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels. 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. View abstract. Boonkaewwan C, Ao M, Toskulkao C, Rao MC. Potential complications with the overuse of stevia products during pregnancy include: Researchers still do not understand the full range of risks associated with stevia. 4. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;47:129-34. View abstract. While that high level of consumption is not generally recommended, it demonstrates the vast volume of stevia you would need to consume for it to be considered unsafe. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. heartburn. Ginkgo biloba has been widely cultivated across the globe for a variety of uses, most of which are medicinal. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Both of these sweeteners are options for people who need to cut table sugar. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Principles and methods for the risk assessment of chemicals. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. (2010). It also left study participants satisfied and full after eating, despite the lower calorie intake. Some research suggests stevia could make you gain weight. Though they're rare, stevia's side effects can include gastrointestinal symptoms, decreased blood pressure and blood sugar, and potential impacts on the liver. How Does Stevia Compare to Other Zero-Calorie Sweeteners? 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. This side effect might. Metabolic effects of non-nutritive sweeteners. However, studies suggest that consuming sugar substitutes such as stevia in place of sugar does not have an impact on overall daily calories intake or blood sugar levels. Side effects of stevia According to the International Stevia Council's website ( 10 ): "Based on the positive safety opinions of this sweetener, stevia leaf extracts are safe and harmless - like every other approved food." What does "based on the positive safety opinions" even mean? CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. Effects of stevioside and steviol on intestinal glucose absorption in hamsters. However, erythritol is better tolerated than most sugar alcohols, according to the Calorie Control Council, because it is absorbed and eliminated quickly from the body. Stevia is a non-nutritive or zero-calorie sweetener made of steviol glycosides. Consult your physician before using a product containing stevia. Ferri LA, Alves-Do-Prado W, Yamada SS, et al. Artificial sweeteners: Weight loss friend or foe? Does soy really affect breast cancer risk? This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Theres some evidence to suggest that stevia may help fight or prevent some types of cancer. Bioorg.Med.Chem. Stevia (Pure Via, Truvia) Artificial sweeteners are also called sugar substitutes, low-calorie sweeteners or nonnutritive sweeteners. Forms include: Stevia is much sweeter than sugar and may be up to 250300 times sweeter than sucrose, the molecule in table sugar. Some positive and others negative. Developmental toxicity of steviol, a metabolite of stevioside, in the hamster. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Monk fruit and stevia are the latest buzz-worthy candidates for your morning cup of coffee or tea. Some people have allergic reactions to steviol glycosides that . Specific immunomodulatory and secretory activities of stevioside and steviol in intestinal cells. Dizziness Some people have reported feeling dizzy after taking stevia. Health effects of the use of non-sugar sweeteners. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, 4 milligrams (mg) per kilogram of body weight, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890837/, http://www.academia.edu/7358132/Stevia_rebaudiana_Bertoni_An_alternative_Sugar_Replacer_and_Its_Application_in_Food_Industry, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26400114, https://www.fda.gov/aboutfda/transparency/basics/ucm194320.htm, http://www.academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-full-text-pdf/57B2A0342160, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924203116300157, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5591507/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5591507/table/Tab1/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4661066/, http://www.cfp.ca/content/60/11/1003.full, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230016300381, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0303720716300533, http://www.internationalsteviacouncil.org/index.php?id=195, http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0058871, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027323001730079X. Boonkaewwan, C., Toskulkao, C., and Vongsakul, M. Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of Stevioside and Its Metabolite Steviol on THP-1 Cells. Consuming too much of any artificial sweetener may cause diarrhea, bloating, gas, or have a laxative. 2018;122:132-142. View abstract. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. DOI: Pepino MY. A pinch of stevia powder is equal to about one teaspoon of table sugar. Stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, and at high concentrations some of its extracts may have an aftertaste described as licorice -like or bitter. Office of Regulatory Affairs. Ive heard its good for weight control. In general, sugar substitutes are safe for healthy adults. Learn more. Effect of stevia extract intervention on lipid profile. Stevia contains chemicals that are 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose sugar. Reb-A sweeteners are available in liquid, powder, and granulated forms. Xi D, Bhattacharjee J, Salazar-Gonzalez R-M, et al. 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. Sugar substitutes are in many kinds of foods and drinks labeled sugar-free or diet. A 2019 study reported a possible link between nonnutritive sweeteners, including stevia, and disruption in beneficial intestinal flora. Although most of the existing research concerns the two major compounds in stevia stevioside and rebaudioside A (reb A) a 2016 study using human fecal samples concluded that all forms of the compound are probably safe for general use. View abstract. That equates to about 12 mg of high-purity stevia extracts per kilogram of body weight per day. However, some people have reported negative side effects, which include: Nausea Bloating Dizziness Numbness Muscle pain Abdominal fullness Allergic reactions such as rashes Hypotension (low blood pressure) 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. It's possible that different types of products may cause stevia stomach upset more than others. If youre sensitive to sugar alcohols, choose a brand that doesnt contain erythritol. Stevia in its natural form hasnt. When you eat a sugary treat, your body produces the hormone insulin to help stabilize the sugar in your blood. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). J Med Assoc Thai. 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. Though research on this issue is limited, it's possible that stevia may have an effect on the endocrine system, which includes glands that produce hormones. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Some other potential side effects of stevia include allergic reactions. DOI: Has stevia been approved by FDA to be used as a sweetener? 10. Sugar alcohols, stevia and luo han guo can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea. 2020;5:142. And it may also interact with drugs like lithium. Common potentially harmful chemicals found in stevia products include: When consumed at low doses, purified stevia is generally not considered to pose health risks for pregnant people. Since there's a variety of stevia products out there, ranging from pure stevia powder to liquid drops and extract, it's possible other sweeteners or products have been added to those mixes. Stevia can cause gastrointestinal side effects in some people, including gas, nausea, and bloating. One of the Stevia side effects is Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, can be caused due to the increased consumption of Stevia. Low-Dose Stevia (Rebaudioside A) Consumption Perturbs Gut Microbiota and the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward System. Int J Obes (Lond). However, research supporting the safe use of less refined stevia compounds is still lacking. Foods and drinks with aspartame can lead to serious health problems. This amount is called the acceptable daily intake (ADI). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 4. View abstract. Planta Med 2005;71(2):108-113. Nutr Today. And if used in moderation, artificial sweeteners can be part of a healthy diet. Taking stevia might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. View abstract. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Uncontrolled Blood Sugar: How Dangerous Is It. Stevia may cause mild digestive issues like nausea, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Food Chem Toxicol 2008;46 Suppl 7:S83-91. For purposes of this article, stevia refers to Reb-A products. Taking stevia along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. We avoid using tertiary references. Low-dose stevia (Rebaudioside A) consumption perturbs gut microbiota and the mesolimbic dopamine reward system. Abdel-Aal RA, Abdel-Rahman MS, Al Bayoumi S, Ali LA. Investigation of the antihypertensive effect of oral crude stevioside in patients with mild essential hypertension. It could potentially help lower their blood sugar levels without excess insulin. Stevia is used as an artificial sweetener in many foods and beverages, such as tea and juices, and is likely safe for most people. In general, it is safest to take in small amounts of sugar substitutes. Purified stevia leaf extracts (Truvia, PureVia, others). Melis MS. A crude extract of Stevia rebaudiana increases the renal plasma flow of normal and hypertensive rats. View abstract. Stevia is often touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up foods without the negative health effects linked to refined sugar. Not all research shows that stevia is beneficial to health, however. The Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners, Artificial Sweeteners and Type 2 Diabetes. So it's still unclear exactly what potential stevia side effects may occur from routine consumption of the sweetener. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 8 Ways Food Companies Hide the Sugar Content of Foods, 11 Simple Ways to Focus on Whole Foods Instead of Clean Eating, Berberine A Powerful Supplement With Many Benefits, The Top Health Benefits of Prunes and Prune Juice, What to Know About Andrographis Supplements: Potential Benefits and Uses, Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Potential side effects linked to stevia consumption include: Stevia is considered a diuretic, meaning that it increases the speed at which the body expels water and electrolytes from the body in urine. As a result, the FDA do not recognize stevia leaves and crude extracts as safe for consumption. US Food and Drug Administration. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2000;50:215-20. Ac., CYT, 12 Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba (Plus Side Effects & Dosage). Guilt-Free Ice Cream Is Trending, but Is It Actually Healthy? Mkinen KK. People who may be more likely to experience side effects from stevia include people taking medications to lower blood pressure or blood glucose or those diagnosed with: Stevia leaf extract is safe to consume when pregnant or breastfeeding. For some people, it may raise blood sugar and insulin levels. FoodData Central. Until research determines whether whole-leaf stevia is safe for everyone, get your doctors approval before using it regularly, especially if you have a serious medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. May Have Anticancer Abilities Monk Fruit vs. Stevia: Which Sweetener Should You Use? The Best Sugar Substitutes for People with Diabetes. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed Nov. 14, 2022. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Almost everyone likes a sugary snack. feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings. They are going to affect everyone differently. All rights reserved. Get back on track in 5 steps. Stevia may be used in place of table sugar in your favorite foods and beverages. View abstract. People who drank high levels of diet soda, which typically contains NSSs, had increased rates of metabolic syndrome as well as Type 2 diabetes. blood pressure conditions and medications. It may seem strange that a highly refined product is considered safer than a natural one. People with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies should be careful when trying stevia, according to Tufts Medical Center Community Care. However, the FDA has not approved stevia leaf and crude stevia extracts for use in food. Stevioside may also help decrease some mitochondrial pathways that help cancer grow. Pope E, Koren G, Bozzo P. Sugar substitutes during pregnancy. Low-calorie sweeteners are often perceived as a healthful alternative to sugar, but a new study finds that they may actually increase fat formation. Splenda or Sucralose's downside is that your body can absorb the chlorine atoms, which can attack the good bacteria in your body. Hives. However, some may experience the following when consuming products sweetened with stevia: Early studies of stevia suggested it was linked to cancer, causing the initial FDA ban in 1991. The FDA allows product-makers to use sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol, too. Artificial sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar. Berberine is a compound extracted from several plants. Rios-Leyvraz M, et al. But other things people do, or healthy habits that people don't do, may be the cause of the higher risk. Health outcomes of non-nutritive sweeteners: analysis of the research landscape. This content does not have an Arabic version. 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. The study also found that stevia may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health You might try to stay away from table sugar by using less processed sweeteners such as honey and molasses. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. It's possible people with pollen or plant allergies related to things like ragweed may also be more sensitive to stevia. mood swings Read more The 5 Best (and Worst) Sweeteners You Can Eat - Cleveland Clinic Some people are at an increased risk of developing side effects from regular stevia use. Food Chem. From wellcurve.in. It's best known as a natural sweetener. View abstract. The amount of sugar alcohol that causes these symptoms varies from person to person. If you experience anything unusual with using stevia, it is always wise to contact your physician. That means a can of sweetened cola with 10 teaspoons of added sugar has about 160 calories. 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. This has since been proven highly unlikely, except in individuals with abnormally low blood sugar levels. Here are 8 ways food companies hide the sugar content of foods. (2013). Mayo Clinic. Honey is a sweet fluid made by honeybees using the nectar of flowering plants. Metabolism 2004;53(10):1378-1381. In general, it is safest to take in small amounts of sugar substitutes. Effect of calcium and verapamil on renal function of rats during treatment with stevioside. View abstract. shakiness skin blisters slurred speech sore throat sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth stomach cramps, tenderness, or pain sweating swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose swelling or inflammation of the mouth swollen or painful glands trouble breathing unusual bleeding or bruising watery or bloody diarrhea A pilot study of repeated exposures in some normotensive and hypotensive individuals and in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. 2014;60(11):1003-1005. Stevioside induced ROS-mediated apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway in human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 [Abstract]. Stevia has a mild, licorice-like taste thats slightly bitter. However, like all herbs, they have powerful side-effects. These are compounds extracted and refined from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet. According to a 2015 review, there are very few reported cases of stevia allergy. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Advertisements 3. Stevia is safe for most people to use. Know your limit for added sugars. Can Fam Physician. Artificial sweeteners produce the counterintuitive effect of inducing metabolic derangements. Stevia leaves are about 200 times sweeter than traditional white sugar and people have used them for centuries as a sweetener and herbal supplement. View abstract. Side effects. Artificial sweeteners can be a short-term way to help some people lessen their use of sugar and lose or manage weight. 2017;16(1):55. doi:10.1186/s12937-017-0278-x. Some have no calories. 2020;10(1). People with chronic low blood pressure should speak to a doctor about prolonged stevia use. Click here for an email preview. Accessed Nov. 14, 2022. 2. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov. Whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, usually have the best mix of nutrients for the body. The side effects of stevia include gastrointestinal issues, extremely low blood sugar levels, endocrine disruption, sore muscles, and numbness. stevia leaf extract (greater than 95% steviol glycosides) was determined to be generally recognized as safe in 2008 by the FDA. Andrographis is a medicinal herb used to treat many health conditions, such as the common cold, osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Yadav, A. Metabolically activated steviol, the aglycone of stevioside, is mutagenic. 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. If you're living with a rare genetic disease called phenylketonuria. Accessed Nov. 14, 2022. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1985;82:2478-82. If you have diabetes, stevia may help keep your blood sugar levels in check. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers stevia leaf extract safe for consumption, and it is unlikely to cause side effects in most people. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~rdb/opa-g252.html. Can You Get Diabetes From Eating Too Much Sugar? Stevia: Nature's Zero-Calorie, Sustainable Sweetener. Efficacy and tolerability of oral stevioside in patients with mild essential hypertension: a two-year, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Its unclear if occasional stevia use in lower amounts would have the same impact. Stevia has a slightly bitter flavor that some people don't like. Pezzuto JM, Compadre CM, Swanson SM, et al. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Lohner S, Toews I, Meerpohl JJ. CFSAN/Office of Food Additive Safety. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This means it has almost no calories. Brusick DJ. 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). Two minor diterpene glycosides from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. Food and Chemical Toxicology. Metabolism 2004;53:73-6. It is safe to consume stevia every day. Other research is looking at long-term use of sugar substitutes and the gut. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. If you are concerned about the potential side effects of stevia, research shows that it is safe to consume and unlikely to cause side effects in most people. However, there still isn't enough evidence or medical consensus on the benefits of stevia, and its side effects are still being explored.