How much stevia is considered safe?

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) set the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for high-purity stevia extracts at 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Understanding how much stevia is considered safe involves knowing this guideline and the difference between purified and unrefined forms.

Quick Summary

Health authorities have established a daily consumption limit for high-purity stevia extract, dependent on body weight. It's crucial to understand this dosage, the potential for gastrointestinal side effects, and the distinction between approved extracts and unrefined stevia leaves.

Key Points

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI): The official safety limit for stevia is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day of steviol equivalents.
High-Purity vs. Crude Stevia: Only highly purified stevia extracts (at least 95% steviol glycosides) are deemed safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA.
Monitor Consumption in Children: Because children have lower body weights, they can reach the ADI limit more quickly than adults, so their intake should be monitored.
Check for Added Ingredients: Many stevia blends include sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive issues like bloating or gas in sensitive individuals.
Potential for Drug Interaction: Stevia can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so those on related medications should consult a doctor before incorporating it into their diet.
Know Your Limits: An overconsumption of stevia won't cause toxicity, but it can produce an unpleasant, bitter aftertaste.

Stevia is a popular zero-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. For millions seeking to reduce sugar intake, it offers a natural, plant-based alternative. However, understanding the difference between the forms of stevia available and regulatory guidance on consumption is key to using it safely.

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Stevia

Regulatory bodies worldwide, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have established safety guidelines for high-purity steviol glycosides—the compounds responsible for stevia's sweetness. This standard is known as the Acceptable Daily Intake, or ADI.

The ADI for high-purity stevia extract is 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, calculated as steviol equivalents. This limit includes a large safety factor to ensure it poses no risk over a lifetime of daily use. The ADI specifically applies to high-purity stevia extract, which is at least 95% steviol glycosides.

Calculating Your Personal Stevia ADI

To find your personal ADI, multiply your weight in kilograms by 4 mg. For example, a 70 kg person (about 154 lb) has an ADI of 280 mg of steviol equivalents daily. This is a substantial amount, typically more than a person would consume from foods and beverages.

High-Purity Extracts vs. Crude Stevia

It's important to distinguish between FDA-approved high-purity stevia extracts and unapproved crude stevia leaves and extracts.

High-Purity Steviol Glycosides: This form has GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the FDA after extensive safety testing. It is found in most commercial stevia products.
Crude Stevia Extracts and Whole Leaves: These forms are not approved for use in food due to insufficient safety research. Avoid supplements containing unrefined stevia leaves.

Potential Side Effects and Overconsumption

High-purity stevia extract is generally safe within the ADI, but side effects can occur, often related to other ingredients in blends or excessive intake.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Some stevia products contain sugar alcohols like erythritol. High amounts of these can cause bloating, gas, cramping, and nausea in sensitive individuals.
Blood Sugar and Pressure: Stevia may lower blood pressure and glucose levels. Those with low blood pressure or on diabetes/hypertension medications should consult a doctor, as stevia could enhance medication effects.
Bitter Aftertaste: Using too much stevia, especially lower-quality products, can result in a bitter taste. This indicates overuse, not necessarily a health risk.

A Comparison of Stevia Forms


Feature	High-Purity Stevia Extract (GRAS)	Crude Stevia Leaves/Extracts (Not Approved)
Regulatory Status	Approved for use in food by the FDA.	Not approved for use as a food additive by the FDA.
Safety Research	Rigorously tested.	Lacks sufficient scientific research.
Chemical Composition	Isolated steviol glycosides.	Contains various compounds from the plant.
Typical Side Effects	Mild GI issues from companion sugar alcohols at high doses.	Concerns regarding potential impact on kidneys and heart.
Taste Profile	Clean, sweet taste.	Often has a more pronounced, bitter aftertaste.
Availability	Widely available in supermarkets.	Sold as a dietary supplement.

Is Stevia Safe for All Ages?

The ADI is based on body weight, so children can reach the limit more easily. Parents should monitor their children's intake of stevia-sweetened items. High-purity stevia is also considered safe for pregnant and nursing women within the ADI.

Conclusion

To determine how much stevia is considered safe, focus on using high-purity extracts within the ADI. For most people, this is a safe sugar alternative when used in moderation. Be aware of other ingredients in blends and consult a doctor if you have health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Choosing FDA-approved products and following ADI guidelines allows safe enjoyment of stevia's sweetness.

For more detailed information on food additives, consult {Link: IFIC https://ific.org/resources/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-stevia-sweeteners/}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for high-purity stevia extract is set at 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, expressed as steviol equivalents.

Yes, regulatory bodies consider high-purity stevia extract safe for the general population, including children and pregnant women, when consumed within the recommended ADI.

No, the FDA has not approved crude stevia extracts or whole stevia leaves for use as food additives due to insufficient safety information.

Digestive problems like bloating or gas are often linked to sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, which are commonly added to some stevia sweetener blends, not to the stevia itself.

Stevia can potentially lower both blood pressure and blood sugar. Individuals with low blood pressure or those taking related medications should monitor their intake and speak with a doctor.

Overdosing on stevia is not known to be harmful, but it can result in an unpleasantly bitter or metallic aftertaste. To avoid this, it is recommended to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Look for products that specify "stevia extract" or mention high-purity steviol glycosides on the ingredient list. The FDA has only approved this form for use as a food additive.