Is Stevia safe?
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Is Stevia Safe? A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Stevia Safety
Stevia, derived from the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, is a popular natural sweetener known for its high sweetness and zero-calorie content. It has been used for centuries in South America and is now widely adopted globally as a sugar substitute. Despite its popularity, questions about its safety persist. This article synthesizes current research to provide a clear understanding of stevia's safety profile.
Health Benefits and Safety of Stevia
Therapeutic Benefits and Safety Profile
Stevia has been shown to offer numerous health benefits, particularly in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. It has also demonstrated positive effects on dental health by being non-cariogenic . Studies indicate that stevia can significantly lower blood glucose levels and reduce serum triglycerides and VLDL-C levels in diabetic patients, suggesting its potential as a safe anti-diabetic herb.
Regulatory Approval and Safety Assessments
Stevia's safety has been affirmed by several food regulatory authorities, including the FDA and EFSA, which recognize it as safe for human consumption . The Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives has also deemed stevia extracts containing 95% steviol glycosides safe within a daily intake range of 4 mg/kg of body weight. Despite these approvals, some countries still restrict its use due to insufficient long-term toxicology data.
Potential Adverse Effects
Metabolic and Microbiota Concerns
While stevia is generally considered safe, some studies have raised concerns about its potential adverse effects on human metabolism and intestinal microbiota. These include possible genotoxicity, chronic toxicity, and allergenicity. However, the majority of current research supports the notion that stevia does not pose significant health risks when consumed within recommended limits .
Long-Term Safety and Clinical Efficacy
Most studies on stevia's safety have been short-term, and there is a need for long-term clinical trials to fully understand its health impacts. Until more comprehensive data is available, consumers are advised to use stevia cautiously and adhere to recommended dosages to avoid potential risks such as hypoglycemia.
Impact on Gut Microbiota
Stevia's metabolism is influenced by gut microbiota, which breaks down steviol glycosides into steviol. Research indicates that stevia consumption may benefit the microbiome's alpha diversity and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects on the gut microbiome can vary based on the amount and frequency of stevia intake, as well as other dietary factors .
Conclusion
In summary, stevia is a safe and effective sugar substitute for most people when consumed within recommended limits. It offers numerous health benefits, particularly for individuals with diabetes and those looking to reduce caloric intake. However, the need for long-term studies remains to fully establish its safety profile. Consumers should follow regulatory guidelines and recommended dosages to minimize any potential risks.
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