Certified Organic Stevia Extract
Also known as: Stevia, Sweet Leaf, Sugar Leaf, Stevia rebaudiana
Overview
Stevia rebaudiana is a herb native to South America, recognized for its natural sweetening power due to its glycosides, mainly steviosides and rebaudioside A. Known for being significantly sweeter than sugar yet calorie-free, stevia is widely used as a natural sweetener in foods and beverages. In addition to its usage as a sweetener, stevia may offer health benefits such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, although there is a need for more human clinical studies to confirm long-term effects. Stevia is available in various forms including powders, liquids, and blends, with extracts like Rebaudioside A being preferred for their safety and efficacy over crude extracts due to lack of standardization. The body of research around stevia is growing, indicating moderate to advanced maturity, yet highlighting a need for further exploration regarding its health implications.
Benefits
Research indicates several evidence-based benefits of stevia. Notably, stevia extracts possess antioxidant properties, effectively restoring oxidative stress markers by 65% to 85% in animal models, suggesting potential protective effects against diseases linked to oxidative stress. Additionally, some limited human trials suggest stevia may aid in managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities attributed to bioactive compounds within stevia, potentially supporting overall human health. Notably, stevia is considered safe for diabetic individuals, particularly when using purified extracts like Rebaudioside A. While the benefits are statistically significant in specific studies, the need for further research on long-term applicability remains critical.
How it works
Stevia exerts its sweetness by interacting with sweet taste receptors on the tongue, allowing it to provide sweetness without calories. Its antioxidant benefits are linked to its ability to restore oxidative stress markers, including SOD, CAT, GSH, and TAC in tissues. Additionally, stevia may influence gut health through its potential effect on bacterial communication pathways, although this aspect requires further investigation. The glycosides in stevia are metabolized efficiently by the body, contributing to its overall biological activity.
Side effects
Stevia is generally recognized as safe, particularly purified extracts like Rebaudioside A, as per regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA. Common side effects include digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea, especially when combined with sugar alcohols like erythritol, affecting over 5% of users. Less common side effects (1-5%) may involve theoretical concerns regarding impacts on blood pressure and kidney function. Rare side effects (<1%) have limited evidence, but potential interactions with blood sugar and blood pressure medications warrant caution. Whole-leaf stevia and crude extracts are not recommended during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with diabetes or heart conditions should consult health care providers before regular use due to possible drug interactions.
Dosage
The optimal dosage of stevia is not firmly established due to its high sweetness potency, which means effective doses are significantly lower than sugar. For antioxidant effects, animal studies typically range from 20-100 mg/kg body weight per day, but human equivalents remain unclear. Typical commercial products aim for 2-4% Rebaudioside A. Regulatory guidelines suggest an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-4 mg/kg body weight for steviol glycosides. As stevia can be consumed anytime to sweeten foods and drinks, purified Reb-A extracts are advised over whole-leaf forms, while absorption can be good, albeit influenced by accompanying ingredients.
FAQs
Are stevia extracts safe?
Yes, purified stevia extracts are considered safe; however, whole-leaf and crude extracts should be approached with caution due to lack of standardization.
Can I use stevia anytime?
Yes, stevia can be used as needed to sweeten foods and beverages without specific timing recommendations.
What benefits can I expect from stevia?
Stevia provides immediate sweetness without calories and may offer long-term benefits such as antioxidant effects and blood sugar management, though further research is needed.
Is whole-leaf stevia safer than purified extracts?
No, whole-leaf stevia may contain contaminants and lack standardization, making purified extracts generally safer.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37571265/ – This meta-analysis reviews 104 studies highlighting stevia's significant antioxidant activity, restoring oxidative stress markers by 65-85% in various animal models.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/15/3325 – This review outlines the safety of stevia, especially in purified forms, while discussing potential health benefits and risks that necessitate further investigation.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/stevia-side-effects – Healthline provides an overview of potential side effects of stevia, emphasizing that purified forms are generally safe but caution against whole-leaf variants.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-the-sugar-substitute-stevia-bad-for-our-health – This article examines stevia's benefits and drawbacks, emphasizing the need for additional research on its effects and interactions with medications.
Recommended Articles
Glutamine Dosage for Gut Health: A Guide
Glutamine supports gut health with a recommended dosage of 5-30 grams per day, available in various supplement forms.
2025's Top Vegan Protein Powders: A Buyer's Guide
In 2025, the best vegan protein powders are third-party tested, ensuring purity, safety, and high nutritional content.
Top Anti-Inflammatory Supplement Ingredients
Curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, CBD, and Vitamin D are proven to effectively reduce chronic inflammation.
Top NSF & Informed-Sport Certified Supplements
NSF Certified for Sport and Informed-Sport certifications ensure supplement safety and efficacy for athletes.