11/7/2023 0 Comments Zing greek yogurtStill, research on whole-leaf stevia and raw extracts is limited. However, animal studies suggest that this sweetener - in the form of steviol glycosides like Reb A - does not negatively impact fertility or pregnancy outcomes when used in moderation ( 13).Īdditionally, various regulatory agencies consider steviol glycosides safe for adults, including during pregnancy ( 9). Limited evidence exists on the safety of stevia during pregnancy. Using these products in moderation or opting for pure stevia extract can help maintain normal blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. Keep in mind that certain stevia blends may contain other types of sweeteners - including dextrose and maltodextrin - that can increase blood sugar levels ( 11, 12). Similarly, an 8-week study in rats with diabetes noted that stevia extract decreased levels of blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C - a marker of long-term blood sugar control - by over 5% compared to rats fed a control diet ( 10). In fact, one small study in 12 people with this condition showed that consuming this sweetener alongside a meal led to greater decreases in blood sugar levels compared to a control group given an equal amount of corn starch ( 2). Some research indicates that stevia may be a safe and effective way to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. You may find stevia helpful if you have diabetes - but be careful about which type to choose. Stevia safety in certain populationsĪlthough many stevia products are generally recognized as safe, some research indicates that this zero-calorie sweetener may impact certain people differently.ĭue to health conditions or age, various groups may want to be especially mindful of their intake. Regulatory agencies like the FDA, the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) define the acceptable daily intake of steviol glycosides as up to 1.8 mg per pound of body weight (4 mg per kg) ( 9). On the other hand, whole-leaf varieties and raw stevia extracts are currently not approved by the FDA for use in food products due to a lack of research ( 8). Steviol glycosides, which are refined extracts of stevia like Reb A, are recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning that they can be used in food products and marketed in the United States ( 8). Commercial varieties are often highly processed and mixed with other sweeteners. As such, research is lacking on its safety. It’s made from whole stevia leaves that have been dried and ground.Īlthough the green leaf product is typically considered the purest form, it’s not as thoroughly studied as pure extracts and Reb A. Meanwhile, green leaf stevia is the least processed form. Pure extracts made only from Reb A are also available as both liquids and powders.Ĭompared to stevia blends, pure extracts undergo many of the same processing methods - but are not combined with other sweeteners or sugar alcohols. Later, the extract is dried, crystallized, and combined with other sweeteners and fillers ( 1). They’re made using rebaudioside A (Reb A) - a type of refined stevia extract, alongside other sweeteners like maltodextrin and erythritol ( 7).ĭuring processing, the leaves are soaked in water and passed through a filter with alcohol to isolate Reb A. Stevia is available in several varieties, each differing in its processing method and ingredients.įor instance, several popular products - such as Stevia in the Raw and Truvia - are really stevia blends, which are one of the most heavily processed forms of stevia. Meanwhile, less processed forms may be lacking in safety research. In fact, many varieties on the market are highly refined and combined with other sweeteners - such as erythritol, dextrose, and maltodextrin - which may alter its potential health effects. Nevertheless, commercial stevia products vary in quality. This sweetener has also been associated with several health benefits, including lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels ( 5, 6). Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant ( Stevia rebaudiana).Īs it has zero calories but is 200 times sweeter than table sugar, it’s a popular choice for many people looking to lose weight and decrease sugar intake (( 1, 2, 3, 4).
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