Although stevia has been used as a sweetener for years in its native lands of Brazil and Paraguay, as well as in Japan, China and Europe, it was banned for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration in 1991. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, concerns that stevia might cause cancer made the FDA demand more information from stevia extract manufacturers. In 1995, after further review, the FDA revised its ban and allowed limited use of stevia. An extract of stevia, called Rebandioside A (Rebiana), was developed and approved for use in 2008. The FDA designated Rebiana as "generally recognized as safe," meaning that although there is a lack of scientific studies of the extract in humans, it is thought to cause no harm when used as intended. Still, stevia can cause some side effects in people who choose to use this sugar substitute.
Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar
Studies show that stevia extract may have anti-hypertensive and anti-hyperglycemic effects. This means that it may help keep blood pressure and blood sugar stable. People taking medicines for diabetes or high blood pressure should use stevia with caution, because of possible interactions with these drugs.
Nausea
Side effects of stevia use include nausea and a feeling of fullness.
Bloating
Some commercial packets of the sweetener include the addition of fiber, which can cause bloating and flatulence.
Allergies
Stevia is made from the shrub, Stevia rebaudiana, which is in the daisy family. People allergic to plants in the daisy family should use stevia with caution.
Pregnancy
Until there is more research on stevia, physicians advise pregnant and breast-feeding women not to use it.
Weight Gain
Stevia has no calories and is about 300 times sweeter than sugar. As with the use of other low-calorie sweeteners, the use of stevia may have drawbacks. A study released in 2004 by Purdue University researchers showed that rats eating food sweetened with saccharin took in more calories and gained more weight than rats fed sugar-sweetened food. Another study of 3,700 residents of San Antonio, Texas, demonstrated that those who averaged 3 or more artificially sweetened beverages a day were more likely to gain weight over an eight-year period than those who didn't drink artificially sweetened beverages.
Overeating
Researchers suspect that the body is programmed to associate sweet tastes with calories consumed. The body's ability to accurately gauge how many calories are taken in becomes confused by artificial sweeteners, and people may eat more or expend less energy than usual to make up for the lack of calories. In this way, the use of artificial sweeteners can backfire and actually make people fatter.
Other Effects
The U.S. Army reports that stevia can also cause dizziness, headache, muscle weakness and muscle tenderness.
References
- "Stevia;" NebGuide, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; accessed November 9, 2009
- "The Nutrition Source: Sugary Drinks or Diet Drinks: What's the Best Choice?" Harvard School of Public Health; accessed November 9, 2009
- "Chicago Tribune;" Stevia: The New Sugar Substitute; March 13, 2008
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