What Is Stevia?
Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener. Several people use it as a substitute for sugar to reduce their calorie intake. It is made of steviol glycosides and is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is derived from a plant. It is part of the Asteraceae family of plants that are native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The prized species of the plant that is used to sweeten food grows in Brazil and Paraguay. Though its use as a sugar substitute is gaining pace, it is important to note that the FDA does not recognize stevia leaf or its extracts as safe (1).
How Safe Is Stevia?
Some believe that stevia may harm the kidneys and the reproductive system. It may also mutate genes (2). Hence, the FDA doesn’t allow whole-leaf or unrefined stevia in foods. Well, all of this is just one side of the story. The other side of the story shows later studies stating that stevia is safe in moderate amounts. Though the FDA does not recognize stevia extracts as safe, it has not questioned the use of certain high-purity stevia derivatives in food (1). Hence, stevia products have been available on the market without any major safety concerns. Despite all of this, it is important to know the side effects of stevia.
What Are The Side Effects Of Stevia?
1. May Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
Some believe that the intake of highly refined stevia may lead to nausea. The steviosides in stevia may irritate your stomach and cause bloating or reduce your appetite. Studies speculate the role of different artificial sweeteners in promoting gastrointestinal issues, although we need more research to establish the connection (3). It is also believed that the consumption of stevia may lead to diarrhea and potential gut damage. However, more research is needed in this regard.
2. Could Lead To Hypoglycemia
This is a benefit that may manifest into a side effect with overuse. Stevia can help lower blood sugar levels (4). Though there is no direct research, heavy stevia intake (along with blood sugar medications) could lead hypoglycemia – a condition in which blood sugar levels can go dangerously low. Hence, we recommend you to stay away from stevia and take your doctor’s advice if you are already on diabetes medications.
3. May Lead To Endocrine Disruption
There is a possibility that the steviol glycosides can interfere with hormones controlled by the endocrine system. According to a 2016 study, sperm cells, when introduced to steviol, saw an increase in progesterone hormone (secreted by the female reproductive system) (5).
4. May Cause Allergies
There is no scientific research to support this statement. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that stevia and other artificial sweeteners may cause allergies in some people. Some believe that you could be allergic to stevia if you are allergic to ragweed. The theories state that your body may mistake the proteins in the food you eat as pollen and launch an immune response to react. Symptoms of the allergies may include swelling and itching of the lips, mouth, throat, and tongue, abdominal pain, and vomiting. As there is no research to support this, talk to your doctor before taking stevia (if you happen to be allergic to certain foods).
5. Stevia May Cause Numbness
Though there is very little information on this, some anecdotal evidence refers to individuals experiencing numbness in their hands and feet (and even on the tongue) after taking stevia. Watch out for these reactions. If you notice these symptoms, stop use and visit your doctor immediately.
6. May Lead To Sore Muscles
There is little research on this aspect. Certain sources state that taking stevia can lead to aching muscles and muscle soreness. In a study, the intake of a drug made of steviosides (the active components of stevia) was found to cause muscle tenderness and pain in certain patients (6). If you find your muscles are sore for no reason, stop stevia intake and check with your doctor.
Who Should Not Use Stevia?
Though research is ongoing, it is believed certain individuals could have a higher risk of contracting side effects with stevia use. They include individuals with:
Blood pressure issues Blood sugar issues Kidney conditions Heart conditions Issues with hormones
Stevia may also interact with certain drugs. Individuals who are on medications, especially those aimed at the treatment of the above-mentioned health conditions, are suggested to keep away from stevia.
Does Stevia Interact With Any Drugs?
Stevia may interfere with certain medications. Hence, keep a watch on these combinations.
Stevia And Lithium
Stevia has diuretic properties. This property may decrease lithium excretion, thereby increasing serum lithium levels, leading to serious issues (7). Hence, if you are already taking some form of lithium, consult your doctor before consuming stevia.
Stevia And Antidiabetes Drugs
Taking stevia may lower blood sugar levels, and if you are also taking anti-diabetes medication, it may lower your sugar levels way too much. However, more experimental work is required in this area (7). Talk to your doctor before using it. They may change the dose of your diabetes medication. Some of these medications include Amaryl, DiaBetas, Actos, and Avandia.
Stevia And Antihypertensive Drugs
Some research also shows that stevia may lower blood pressure (7). This is why you need to be careful if you are also taking blood pressure medications. Some of these medications include Cozaar, Diovan, Norvasc, and Lasix. Stevia has also been associated with cancer. However, research has some interesting findings.
Stevia And Cancer
There is no research stating that stevia may cause cancer. In fact, studies show that stevia may inhibit cancer from spreading. Research suggests that stevia can be a potential chemotherapy agent for cancer treatment (8). Other studies also state the therapeutic properties of stevia against cancer. This can be attributed to the glycosides they contain (9). Can pregnant women take stevia? Find out in the next section.
Stevia And Pregnancy
In animal studies, stevia was found to be safe during pregnancy. It did not increase toxicity in rat embryos. It also did not affect the pregnancy or fertility outcomes (10). However, the safety of stevia during pregnancy in humans is yet to be proven (10). Hence, it is better to avoid stevia during pregnancy. Is stevia safe to be used during pregnancy? There are no human studies to prove that stevia could be safe during pregnancy. We suggest you talk to your doctor before doing so as studies offer mixed opinions. Can stevia be a part of the keto diet? Yes, stevia can be a great addition to a keto diet. But remember, moderation is key. Can stevia harm the kidneys? Some believe stevia may harm the kidneys as it may have diuretic properties. It may increase the speed at which the body expels water and electrolytes. Since kidneys are responsible for flushing toxins out, it is believed that this may stress them. But there is no research to support this. Also, since this sweetener has come into the market only recently, its full impact is yet to be determined. However, a study shows that stevia intake may reduce the risk of kidney damage (11). Is stevia bad for your teeth? No. In fact, studies show that stevia can promote dental health as its extracts are considered non-acidogenic (12). Is stevia better than aspartame? Stevia seems to be better than aspartame, another sweetener. Some theorize that stevia has beneficial effects on blood glucose when compared with aspartame. Is stevia inflammatory? No. On the contrary, stevia exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help in decreasing inflammation (13). Can stevia cause heart palpitations? Stevia extracts can cause a decrease in serum glucose levels, which may lead to tremors and heart palpitations (14). Is stevia OK for your liver? Yes. According to a study conducted on rats, stevia leaves help prevent cirrhosis (a late stage of scarring of the liver) (15). However, more human studies are warranted in this regard. Does stevia raise estrogen? Anecdotal evidence suggests that long-term intake of stevia may affect estrogen levels. However, limited research is available to prove this claim. Does stevia cross the blood-brain barrier? The beta-caryophyllene epoxides in stevia may cross the blood-brain barrier and interfere with the regulation of brain functions. However, more research is needed to prove the same. Does stevia cause yeast infections? No. Stevia possesses antifungal properties and can fight against yeast infections (16).
