Stevia, derived from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, is considered generally safe for human consumption. Regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognize high-purity steviol glycosides as safe¹². The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has also established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for steviol glycosides of up to 4 mg/kg body weight per day².

Studies have shown that stevia and its metabolites do not accumulate in the body and possess various health benefits, including antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties³. However, there are certain considerations:

1. Metabolic Effects: Some studies have indicated potential benefits in glucose metabolism, particularly in diabetic patients⁴. Dietary stevia has also been linked to weight maintenance and reduced energy intake⁵.

2. Gut Microbiota: Stevia may affect gut microbiota composition, though its long-term impact remains to be fully understood⁶.

3. Safety Profile: Extensive research indicates that stevia does not have teratogenic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic effects³. However, there have been some concerns about its effects on gut microbiota and certain biochemical pathways⁶.

4. Lactation and Infants: While stevia is generally safe, its effects during lactation and on infants are not fully known. It might be prudent for nursing mothers to consult healthcare providers before using stevia⁷.

In summary, stevia is generally safe for most people when consumed within recommended limits. However, specific groups, such as pregnant or nursing women, should consult their healthcare provider.

Footnotes

1. Margaret Ashwell, "Stevia, Nature’s Zero-Calorie Sustainable Sweetener: A New Player in the Fight Against Obesity," NCBI. ↩

2. Adriana Monserrath Orellana-Paucar, "Steviol Glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana: An Updated Overview of Their Sweetening Activity, Pharmacological Properties, and Safety Aspects," NCBI. ↩ ↩²

3. Amir Abbas Momtazi-Borojeni, "A Review on the Pharmacology and Toxicology of Steviol Glycosides Extracted from Stevia rebaudiana," PubMed. ↩ ↩²

4. Marjan Ajami, "Effects of stevia on glycemic and lipid profile of type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial," NCBI. ↩

5. Nikoleta S. Stamataki, "Effects of the Daily Consumption of Stevia on Glucose Homeostasis, Body Weight, and Energy Intake: A Randomised Open-Label 12-Week Trial in Healthy Adults," NCBI. ↩

6. Jodi E. Nettleton, "Low-Dose Stevia (Rebaudioside A) Consumption Perturbs Gut Microbiota and the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward System," NCBI. ↩ ↩²

7. "Stevia - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) - NCBI Bookshelf," NCBI. ↩