Truvia Vs. Stevia

In the consumer’s quest to reduce calories and encourage weight loss and maintenance, many zero-calorie sweeteners have been introduced to the market. Sucralose and aspartame have dominated as artificial sweeteners that provide sweetness without the undesired weight gain. However, both are artificial and have a slew of controversy surrounding their safety — though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration supports the safety of both these sweeteners. Truvia, however, is a naturally derived sweetener from the herb stevia. Although one is made from the other, they do have differences.

History of Stevia

Stevia rebaundiana is an herb native to subtropical and tropical South and Central America and is approximately 300 times sweeter than sugar, according to Natalia Rose in her book “Detox for Women.” A little goes a long way. It is commonly used throughout Japan as both a sweetener and dietary supplement for treating blood glucose levels and alleviating high blood pressure, the author notes. Before stevia’s approval as a food additive, it was first available only as a dietary supplement, MayoClinic.com says.

Introduction of Truvia

Upon the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2008, Truvia hit the marketplace shortly thereafter, according to Jacob Teitelbaum and Chrystle Fiedler in the book “Beat Sugar Addiction.” Truvia also contains the sugar alcohol erythritol, which provides approximately 3 g of carbohydrates per one packet serving, according to the manufacturers Coca-Cola and Cargill. The natural flavors of Truvia can be compared to pepper, salt or other spices that heighten the taste of dishes, the manufacturers note. Unlike whole-leaf stevia, Truvia only contains rebiana, which is the sweetest portion.

Safety of Stevia

The whole-leaf stevia is not approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may even be dangerous, MayoClinic.com warns. A particular concern is the effect of whole-leaf stevia or crude stevia extracts on the control of glucose levels, kidney, reproductive and cardiovascular function.

Safety of Truvia

The FDA generally recognizes the stevia-derived rebiana compond in Truvia as safe, or Generally Recognized As Safe, or GRAS. However, due to the presence of the sugar alcohol erythritol, you may experience digestive disruptions if you are sensitive to sugar alternatives. These effects may include diarrhea, bloating, constipation, gas and hard stools, Teitelbaum and Fiedler say.