Sweeter than sugar and calorie-free, stevia rebaudania has found its way into many products as an alternative to sugar. More commonly referred to as simply stevia, this plant does not appear to pose any serious health risks when consumed in the amounts found in foods. Limited evidence suggests it might possess medicinal benefits. Using it in supplement form for therapeutic purposes, however, increases the risk of adverse effects.
Medication Interactions
In some studies, stevia was shown effective in lowering hypertension and hyperglycemia, notes Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. As such, stevia may have additive effects on antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications. If you are taking these types of medication, you should discuss stevia use with your doctor as he made need to adjust your dosage to compensate for this effect and prevent hypotension or hypoglycemia. Only your doctor can safely determine this change, however. Do not make this call on your own.
Effects on Fertility
Consuming stevia was once thought to prevent pregnancy, but that the results of ''most'' animal studies found it does not have a negative effect on fertility, according to 2011 information from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If you are trying to conceive, however, you might keep this in mind as some studies did suggest that it could interfere with fertility.
Side Effects
There is a lack of significant side effects from stevia documented in scientific literature. However, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center notes one blood pressure study published in the November 2003 issue of ''Clinical Therapeutics'' in which 4 patients experienced feelings of abdominal fullness, general weakness, muscle pain and nausea when using stevia in doses of 500 mg.
Other Safety Considerations
Do not use stevia supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Whether you can safely use this treatment if you have liver or kidney disease has not been established; you should always clear the use of supplements with your doctor in these instances. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes that its potential to lower blood pressure indicates that stevia acts on the cardiovascular system and as such, you should consult with your doctor before using it in large quantities if you have a heart condition.
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