Be sure to consume pure extract stevia that's considered safe, and eat it as part of a more balanced diet. That makes sugar-free sweeteners popular among people with diabetes, who need to monitor blood sugar levels closely. Effect of stevia extract intervention on lipid profile. Foods and drinks with aspartame can lead to serious health problems. Stevia in the Raw recommends replacing half the total amount of sugar in your recipe with their product. Garner C. Nutrition in pregnancy: Assessment and counseling. Other sugar substitutes called sugar alcohols are not as sweet as sugar. Although stevia is considered safe for people with diabetes, brands that contain dextrose or maltodextrin should be treated with caution. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Nutrients. Some studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory properties, though more research is needed to determine the magnitude of this effect. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of allergic reaction may include: Tingling or itching in the mouth. In contrast, one teaspoon of sugar has about 16 calories. This content does not have an Arabic version. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Stevia has a slightly bitter flavor that some people don't like. Nettleton, J.E., et al. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Rebecca Valdez is a registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications consultant, passionate about food justice, equity, and sustainability. Stevia isn't damaging to the body. Curi R, Alvarez M, Bazotte RB, et al. Read our. 12-30-1984;60(12):2237-2240. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Some people are at an increased risk of developing side effects from regular stevia use. Some stevia brands, such as Stevia in the Raw, can replace table sugar teaspoon for teaspoon (as in sweetened beverages and sauces), unless youre using it in baked goods. 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. More recent studies, however, have concluded that stevia may help prevent kidney damage. The use of nonnutritive sweeteners in children. Sugar alcohols, stevia and luo han guo can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea. We dig into the ingredients of popular zero-regret ice creams and find out if our bodies can take the hype. Muscle Pain Aching muscles may also occur in some cases as a reaction to this sweetener. In addition to some of stevia's touted benefits as a sugar substitute in helping people lose weight or improve diabetes management, it has been linked to a number of other potential health benefits, though these are still being explored further. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only consider high-purity steviol glycosides to be safe for human consumption currently. Metabolic effects of non-nutritive sweeteners. 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. Rebecca Valdez is a registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications consultant, passionate about food justice, equity, and sustainability. Using sugar substitutes might make your symptoms flare up. It is therefore important to buy products certified to contain at least 95 percent steviol glycoside, and that contain no artificial or synthetic sweeteners. High doses or heavy, long-term use of stevia may worsen common pregnancy symptoms by increasing the workload on organs such as the kidneys, bladder, and heart. Toskulkao C, Sutheerawatananon M, Wanichanon C, et al. Barriocanal LA, Palacios M, Benitez G, et al. View abstract. Your lithium dose might need to be changed. Chronic administration of aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana in rats: renal effects. Boonkaewwan C, Ao M, Toskulkao C, Rao MC. Lailerd N, Saengsirisuwan V, Sloniger JA, et al. Uncontrolled Blood Sugar: How Dangerous Is It. Which is a leading reason it's studied for use in diabetic patients. Added sugar can play a part in weight gain. Some people enjoy it, but its a turn-off for others. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Food Chem Toxicol 2008;46 Suppl 7:S40-6. That includes soft drinks, candy and baked goods. However, the FDA has not approved stevia leaf and crude stevia extracts for use in food. October 4, 2021. Perrier J, Mihalov J, Carlson S. FDA regulatory approach to steviol glycosides. Stevia products found on grocery store shelves, such as Truvia and Stevia in the Raw, dont contain whole stevia leaf. Last medically reviewed on December 3, 2018. Stevia leaf extracts side effects. View abstract. The amount of sugar alcohol that causes these symptoms varies from person to person. View abstract. So it's still unclear exactly what potential stevia side effects may occur from routine consumption of the sweetener. However, animal studies have linked sucralose to cancer and disruptions to the gut microbiome. 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. Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener. Learn more. However, some products containing. When you eat a sugary treat, your body produces the hormone insulin to help stabilize the sugar in your blood. Splenda or Sucralose's downside is that your body can absorb the chlorine atoms, which can attack the good bacteria in your body. Sucralose administered in feed, beginning prenatally through lifespan, induces hematopoietic neoplasias in male swiss mice. People take stevia for obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and many. Developmental toxicity of steviol, a metabolite of stevioside, in the hamster. The same amount of cola sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame has none. In general, sugar substitutes are safe for healthy adults. Apparent lack of pharmacological effect of steviol glycosides used as sweeteners in humans. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Advertisements 3. J Agric.Food Chem 2-8-2006;54(3):785-789. Frequently Asked Questions Development of rebiana, a natural, non-caloric sweetener. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As with most nonnutritive sweeteners, a major downside is the taste. There is a problem with 1997;80 Suppl 1:S121-S128. To avoid stevia stomach upset, be careful before purchasing stevia products. Low-dose stevia (Rebaudioside A) consumption perturbs gut microbiota and the mesolimbic dopamine reward system. American Diabetes Association. It may seem strange that a highly refined product is considered safer than a natural one. New research shows that artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of weight gain and, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. View abstract. Farid A, Hesham M, El-Dewak M, Amin A. Low-calorie sweeteners are often perceived as a healthful alternative to sugar, but a new study finds that they may actually increase fat formation. In this article, we look at the possible risks and side effects associated with this natural sweetener. Abdel-Aal RA, Abdel-Rahman MS, Al Bayoumi S, Ali LA. View abstract. Factors that may increase the risk of stevia side effects include: There are many different types of steviol glycoside found in stevia, classified into five major groups. Some stevia side effects include digestive or stomach issues, allergies, an increased risk of weight gain and potential endocrine disruption. Eating whole is way of eating that focuses on fresh, natural foods. Drug Chem Toxicol 1998;21:207-22. This side effect might. Purified stevia leaf extracts (Truvia, PureVia, others). There are about 320 different varieties of honey, which vary in color, odor and flavor. Stevia has a mild, licorice-like taste thats slightly bitter. 2016;2016:5967907. Yadav, A. It may also drop blood pressure too low or interact with medications that lower blood sugar. Plants that come from the Asteraceae family that have been known to cause allergies include ragweed and sunflower seeds. View abstract. Farhat G, Berset V, Moore L. Effects of Stevia Extract on Postprandial Glucose Response, Satiety and Energy Intake: A Three-Arm Crossover Trial. Accessed Nov. 15, 2022. 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. Natural sweeteners in a human diet [Abstract]. Effects of aspartame-, monk fruit-, stevia- and sucrose-sweetened beverages on postprandial glucose, insulin and energy intake. Honey is a sweet fluid made by honeybees using the nectar of flowering plants. These products rarely cause side effects. According to a 2015 review, there are very few reported cases of stevia allergy. If youre trying to lose weight, this aspect may be appealing. GRAS Notices Received in 2008. Liver side effects: Research on the impact of stevia on the liver is preliminary and . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Some people use products called sugar substitutes, also known as artificial sweeteners. Both have pros and cons, but is one better for you? Carbohydr.Res 6-1-2011;346(8):1057-1060. 2014;60(11):1003-1005. blood pressure conditions and medications. The differences and similarities between Truvia and stevia. 2016;22(1):7-17. It is derived from the leaves of theStevia rebaudianaplant and has been used for centuries in South America. Taware, A. S., Mukadam, D. S., and Chavan, A. M. Antimicrobial Activity of Different Extracts of Callus and Tissue Cultured Plantlets of Stevia Rebaudiana (Bertoni). In fact, evidence is still inconclusive in many ways as to how stevia affects the body over time. Some people with diabetes claim it's fine, while others . 2020;150(5):1126-1134. Mkinen KK. 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. Remember that stevia is much sweeter than table sugar, so you wont need to use as much. Study participants consumed 20 milliliters of stevia extract daily for one month. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Artificial sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar. The agency doesn't consider sugar alcohols to be food additives. Last medically reviewed on October 27, 2017. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Because the FDA have not approved crude stevia extracts and stevia leaves as a food additive, companies are not allowed to market them as sweetening products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, December 17, 2008. View abstract. Stevia may be a healthy option for those looking to lower their calorie or carbohydrate intake, such as people with type 2 diabetes. Stevia sweeteners don't have calories and are a good choice for people trying to lose weight. The Best Sugar Substitutes for People with Diabetes. View abstract. swelling. Though research on the long-term effects of stevia is limited, there is no evidence that it causes cancer. Government health agencies oversee ingredients that product-makers add to food. 10-22-2003;51(22):6618-6622. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/high-intensity-sweeteners. 1984;47(3):439-444. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Boonkaewwan, C., Toskulkao, C., and Vongsakul, M. Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of Stevioside and Its Metabolite Steviol on THP-1 Cells. They are going to affect everyone differently. Click here for an email preview. Not all research shows that stevia is beneficial to health, however. 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. Stevia is a zero-calorie, nonnutritive sweetener made from the Stevia rebaudiana plant's leaves. 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 nonnutritive sweetener. Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. Health agencies have clarified that sugar substitutes do not cause serious health problems. Numbness Theyre made from a highly refined stevia leaf extract called rebaudioside A (Reb-A). View abstract. Monk Fruit vs. Stevia: Which Sweetener Should You Use? Taking stevia along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. In fact, many stevia products have very little stevia in them at all. Sucralose can be especially carcinogenic (cancer-causing) when heated, so stevia may be a healthier option for baking. Consumption of stevia may be linked to cancer. Both the FDA and European Commission concluded that the number of individuals who are hypersensitive to stevia or at a risk of having an allergic response to it is low. It may also damage. These can be added to foods or drinks at home. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 2011;91(1):1-27. 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) View abstract. The effect of stevioside on blood pressure and plasma catecholamines in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Sugar substitutes are in many kinds of foods and drinks labeled sugar-free or diet. It may take some trial and error to get the texture and level of sweetness you like. View abstract. 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. (2013). Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from a plant. You can bake with stevia, although it may give cakes and cookies a licorice aftertaste. For some people, it may raise blood sugar and insulin levels. Stevioside. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria from sugar damage the teeth. Matsui M, Matsui K, Kawasaki Y, et al. AlDeeb OA, Mahgoub H, Foda NH. Ajami M, Seyfi M, Abdollah Pouri Hosseini F, et al. D'Agostino, M., De Simone, F., Pizza, C., and Aquino, R. [Sterols in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni]. Swithers SE. Many argue that this means theres nothing natural about them. Other brands arent made specifically for baking, so youll need to use less. Clin Ther 2003;25:2797-808. The FDA considers stevia and its compounds steviol glycosides safe, deeming it "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). 2003;41(3):359-374. Can You Get Diabetes From Eating Too Much Sugar? 2007;232(1):164-173. Some research on long-term, daily use of artificial sweeteners suggests a link to a higher risk of stroke, heart disease and death overall. The ADI is the maximum average daily intake of a substance over a person's lifetime that is expected to be safe. But if you use it throughout the day, the carbs add up. The FDA says stevia glycosides, such as Reb-A, are generally recognized as safe. They havent approved whole-leaf stevia or crude stevia extract for use in processed foods and beverages due to a lack of safety information. View abstract. In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an . Common side effects of stevia include: Allergic reaction This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. The study notes that its compounds, stevioside and rebaudioside, are up to 200 times sweeter than sugar. Stamataki NS, Crooks B, Ahmed A, McLaughlin JT. Since then, research has shown that those findings don't apply to people. Nat.Prod Commun 2011;6(2):175-178. And if used in moderation, artificial sweeteners can be part of a healthy diet. 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. Is this how abdominal fat leads to diabetes? Effect of Stevia rebaudiana on glucose tolerance in normal adult humans. The FDA allows product-makers to use sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol, too. It's possible people with pollen or plant allergies related to things like ragweed may also be more sensitive to stevia. Studies dating back to the 1970s linked the artificial sweetener saccharin to bladder cancer in rats. View abstract. (2017). muscle cramps. So very little is needed to sweeten foods and drinks. [7] the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Specific immunomodulatory and secretory activities of stevioside and steviol in intestinal cells. Stevia may be used in place of table sugar in your favorite foods and beverages. And finally, the study says that stevia in addition to a regular drug regimen could reduce the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The hidden hazardous effects of Stevia and sucralose consumption in male and female albino mice in comparison to sucrose. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet. 2020;28(10):1290-1300. Potential complications with the overuse of stevia products during pregnancy include: Researchers still do not understand the full range of risks associated with stevia. J Ethnopharmacol 2021;265:113188. 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. Accessed on: May 6, 2022. Xi D, Bhattacharjee J, Salazar-Gonzalez R-M, et al. Melis MS. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:257-622. Allergic reactions. If you have diabetes, stevia may help keep your blood sugar levels in check. Acesulfame potassium (Sweet One, Sunett). View abstract. It's best known as a natural sweetener. However, some studies suggest that consuming nonnutritive sweeteners such as Stevia instead of sugar does not reduce overall calorie intake or blood sugar levels. View abstract. All rights reserved. Additional information about high-intensity sweeteners permitted for use in food in the United States. DOI: Azad MB, et al. Has stevia been approved by FDA to be used as a sweetener? Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Additional information about high-intensity sweeteners. That equates to about 12 mg of high-purity stevia extracts per kilogram of body weight per day. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled. 2019;11(6):1248. If you have a bowel disease. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with In general, artificial sweeteners are safe in limited amounts for healthy people, including pregnant people. stevia leaf extract (greater than 95% steviol glycosides) was determined to be generally recognized as safe in 2008 by the FDA. Import Alert 45-06: Detention without Physical Examination of Stevia Leaves, Crude Extracts of Stevia Leaves and foods Containing Stevia Leaves and/or Stevia Extracts. It also may raise your risk of serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Stevia might lower blood sugar levels. However, some of the common counterfeit ingredients found in stevia mixtures and formulas are linked to serious complications and may cause birth abnormalities. There are 11 steviol glycosides in the stevia leaf, responsible for giving stevia its sweet flavor. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. mood swings Read more The 5 Best (and Worst) Sweeteners You Can Eat - Cleveland Clinic Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels. 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. For A 150-pound person, this would amount to around 40 packets of stevia. A study published in December 2015 in Physiology & Behavior notes that certain non-nutritive sweeteners have been linked to a reduction in dental cavities. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Certain chemicals in stevia are commonly used as natural food sweeteners. In general, experts need to do more studies to learn what long-term health effects sugar substitutes might have on children. The study also found that stevia may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. include protected health information. View abstract. A new study reveals the mechanisms behind, Millions of people routinely consume artificial sweeteners. They generally don't raise blood sugar levels, so they're a good sugar alternative for people . https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. (2017). Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. DOI: Pepino MY. Stevia does not cause side effects in most people. Office of Regulatory Affairs. 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. (2012). Stevia may affect the transmission of nerve impulses to and from your central nervous system and may slow down nerve conduction velocity. J.Agric.Food Chem. Is there a link between stevia and cancer? Int J Clin Res Trials. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. View abstract. However, subsequent research led the FDA to reverse the ban as hundreds of studies' reviews showed no increased risk of cancer linked to stevia consumption. Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. Biol Pharm Bull. View abstract. Accessed Nov. 14, 2022. Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers. Sugars, granulated. How Does Stevia Compare to Other Zero-Calorie Sweeteners? Psychological Effects Effects of Stevia Rebaudiana on Glucose Homeostasis, Blood Pressure and Inflammation: A Critical Review of Past and Current Research Evidence. It may also drop blood pressure too low or interact with medications that lower blood. It is based on significant research. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;47:129-34. Agency Response Letter: GRAS Notice No. DOI: Zeratsky K. (2018). Some claim that it's entirely harmless, but new studies suggest that it may have some effects on your metabolism. 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. 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. Exp Biol Med (Maywood.) 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. Structures of the novel diterpene glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana. According to a 2020 review, "In addition to its hypoglycemic property, the stevia plant also exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-fertility and cardiotonic properties." Below are some of the main advantages associated with stevia use: 1. DOI: Has stevia been approved by FDA to be used as a sweetener? Taking stevia along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Side effects. Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. The hemodynamic effects of rebaudioside A in healthy adults with normal and low-normal blood pressure. View abstract. 2002;25(11):1488-1490. Nettleton JE, Klancic T, Schick A, et al. Planta Med 2005;71(2):108-113. Nutrients. Pope E, Koren G, Bozzo P. Sugar substitutes during pregnancy. Here are 8 ways food companies hide the sugar content of foods. 2017;41(3):450-457. Reb-A is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar. What is stevia? Taking stevia might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. And according to a 2009 study, stevia leaf powder may help manage cholesterol. This amounts to about 12 mg per kilograms (kg) of Stevia extract per day. And it's best to use sugar substitutes for a short time, or just every once in a while. 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. We avoid using tertiary references. 4. They're different in the United States and Europe, for example. Many people choose to replace sugar with stevia to reduce their calorie consumption. Journal of Applied Science Research 2010;6(7):883-887. These are compounds extracted and refined from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. View abstract. Studies using rat embryos have established that stevia did not affect pregnancy or fertility outcomes and was non-toxic to fetal tissues. GRN No. 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. 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. Another popular zero-calorie sweetener issucralose, sold under the brand name Splenda. View abstract. Health outcomes of non-nutritive sweeteners: analysis of the research landscape. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Daily stevia consumption may stop or slow down metabolism and so, interrupt with the conversion process of food into energy. Metabolism 2004;53(10):1378-1381. Products made with sugar substitutes also may give you the wrong message about processed foods. But other things people do, or healthy habits that people don't do, may be the cause of the higher risk. Mayo Clinic. ", 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? Learn more about stevia side effects to educate yourself on how to incorporate sweeteners into your diet. 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. 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. Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. Find out here what makes good sugar. This is because stevia can lower blood sugars and blood pressure, and act as a diuretic. Stevia contains chemicals that are 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose sugar. In some people, stevia products made with sugar alcohols may cause digestive problems, such as bloating and diarrhea. Artificial sweeteners and cancer. Boll.Soc Ital Biol Sper. 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. They taste sweet like sugar but have fewer calories. But limit or cut out sugar substitutes: Dietary guidelines for Americans say adults shouldn't give sugar substitutes to children under 2 years old. Nat.Prod Res 2009;23(15):1378-1383. People with chronic low blood pressure should speak to a doctor about prolonged stevia use.