Stevia, 300 times sweeter than table sugar, is a calorie-free herbal sweetener. It makes up 40 percent of Japan's sweetener market and is widely used in South America. Some controlled scientific studies detect no allergic reactions and say it is diabetic-safe and side-effect free.
Nevertheless, Stevia has physiological effects that are unlike sugar. Some are helpful, but others suggest caution and physician consultation before use. Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declares Stevia "generally recognized as safe," Mayo Clinic specialists still advise caution.
Blood Sugar
Stevia may decrease carbohydrate absorption during digestion and can lower blood sugar. This might benefit weight watchers and diabetics, but it is unclear how much Stevia would be too much, contributing to malnutrition and hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar. Diabetics' insulin requirements and dosages may be altered in unpredictable ways by switching from sugar to Stevia.
Blood Pressure
Stevia can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in some individuals by vasodilatation, a widening of blood vessels. However, Stevia interaction with blood pressure medications is not well understood, and reliable blood pressure-lowering amounts of Stevia have not been established. Physician consultation, caution and regular blood pressure monitoring make sense for anyone switching from sugar to Stevia.
Carcinogenesis
Some lab studies have shown that one component of the Stevia herb, steviol, can change into a carcinogenic compound. Whether or not this occurs in a diet using Stevia as a sweetener substitute has not been determined. Some cancer researchers advise caution for this reason.
Reproductive Hazards
Lab studies on male rats and female hamsters consuming Stevia suggest that testicular function and sperm production may be decreased by long-term use, and birth weight of offspring may be reduced. However, comparable effects in humans are not confirmed. The Mayo Clinic also advises against Stevia use by pregnant or breast-feeding women.
General Side Effects
Low blood sugar and low blood pressure can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and, in extreme cases, unconsciousness. While Stevia has been popular and considered safe in many countries for decades, U.S. authorities continue to counsel caution. Occasional individual reports of symptoms continue to reach doctors and media, though reports are sporadic and difficult to confirm scientifically.
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