Stevia safety studies
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Stevia Safety: Regulatory Endorsements and Global Standards
Stevia and its main sweetening compounds, steviol glycosides, have been evaluated and approved as safe by major regulatory authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2456710. These organizations have set acceptable daily intake levels, typically around 4 mg/kg body weight (as steviol equivalents), to ensure consumer safety 210. The safety endorsement is based on extensive toxicological and clinical evidence, particularly for purified steviol glycosides such as rebaudioside A 2345.
Stevia Safety in Animal and Human Studies
Most studies indicate that stevia and its purified glycosides do not cause harmful effects in humans when consumed within recommended limits 245710. Animal studies have shown that stevia may even offer protective effects, such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, and preventing liver injury in certain experimental models 69. However, some research has found that both commercial stevia products and stevia leaf extracts can cause mild increases in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) in rats, though no actual liver tissue damage was observed . This suggests that while stevia is generally safe, the form and type of stevia product may influence its effects, and more research is needed to clarify these findings .
Potential Adverse Effects and Areas for Further Study
While the majority of evidence supports the safety of stevia, some concerns remain regarding possible adverse effects, especially with unpurified or less-characterized stevia preparations 3810. Potential issues include effects on metabolism, gut microbiota, and rare cases of hypersensitivity or allergenicity 6810. Computational studies have also suggested that steviol, a metabolite of stevia, may interact with certain biological receptors, indicating the need for ongoing evaluation of its bioactivity and long-term safety . Most reviews call for more long-term clinical studies to fully understand the safety profile and physiological mechanisms of stevia, especially in diverse populations and with chronic use 710.
Conclusion
Stevia and its purified glycosides are widely recognized as safe for human consumption by global regulatory authorities, with most studies showing no significant adverse effects when used within recommended limits 245710. Some animal studies suggest mild changes in liver enzymes, but without tissue damage, and rare adverse effects have been reported mainly with less-refined products 138. Continued research, especially long-term human studies, is recommended to further confirm the safety and understand the full health impact of stevia products.
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