Tag: Stevia health risks

While high-purity stevia extract is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, many are unaware of the potential negatives to using stevia, which can include digestive problems and an unappealing aftertaste. Although derived from a plant, its processed forms and added ingredients can lead to concerns for some individuals.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for steviol glycosides, the sweet compounds in stevia, is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. This means a 150-pound (70 kg) person would need to consume a significantly large amount of tabletop sweetener packets, roughly 40 per day, to exceed the recommended safety limit.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both monk fruit and highly purified steviol glycosides from the stevia plant are designated as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) for use as sweeteners. However, a closer look at the nuances of each reveals differences in potential side effects, taste, and processing that can influence which option is best for you.

While purified stevia extracts are generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, certain forms and products containing stevia are not recommended for specific groups or situations. Concerns include gastrointestinal issues, interactions with medications, and the use of unapproved forms like crude stevia leaves.

While lauded as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener, a 2024 study in *Nutrients* confirmed that regular consumption of some stevia products does not significantly alter the overall human gut microbiota, but acknowledged some potential side effects like bloating and nausea. This highlights the need to understand the full range of disadvantages of using stevia, which extend beyond its controversial taste profile.

According to the FDA, purified stevia extract is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS), while recent studies from the Cleveland Clinic link high levels of the sugar alcohol xylitol to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. This new research prompts a critical question for many consumers: are stevia and xylitol bad for you?

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority, highly purified stevia extracts are generally considered safe for consumption. However, the question of 'are there bad side effects to stevia?' remains a common concern for many consumers exploring sugar alternatives.

While highly purified stevia extracts are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some individuals report mild side effects. The question is, are there negative effects from stevia for everyone? This article examines the safety profile and potential concerns associated with this popular natural sweetener.

While often hailed as a natural and zero-calorie sugar substitute, approximately 20% of people report experiencing adverse digestive effects from stevia, primarily due to the sugar alcohols used in some products. Understanding the negatives about stevia is crucial for making informed dietary choices.

According to recent studies, the choice between Stevia and Splenda is more complex than simple marketing suggests. When evaluating what is worse, Stevia or Splenda, a closer look at their origin, processing, and long-term health effects is required to make an informed decision for your diet.