Overview

Stevia comes from the leaves of a plant called Stevia rebaudiana. The leaves of the plant contain a group of chemicals called steviol glycosides, which are often referred to as stevia or stevia extract. These chemicals are commonly used as artificial sweeteners and seem to be well tolerated. When they are purified and removed from the plant, they are much sweeter than sugar and do not contain any calories. Stevia may be used as an ingredient in many different foods and can also be bought as a powder or liquid to sweeten foods or drinks. Do not confuse these products with the actual stevia plant. The stevia plant is not considered a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S.

Uses

What is stevia used for?

Certain chemicals found in the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana), called steviol glycosides, are commonly used as artificial sweeteners in foods and other products. Steviol glycosides are often referred to as stevia or stevia extract.

Stevia may also be used for other reasons, but its benefits are not well defined.

Note: The leaves from the stevia plant are not approved by the FDA for any use. The FDA also does not consider stevia leaf to be a legal dietary ingredient in the U.S. Steviol glycosides, which are chemicals found in stevia that are used as artificial sweeteners, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Learn more about GRAS status here.

How does stevia work (mechanism of action)?

Stevia is a plant called Stevia rebaudiana. The leaves of this plant contain certain chemicals, called steviol glycosides, that are purified and used as artificial sweeteners.

There are three steviol glycosides that can be removed from stevia leaves and used as artificial sweeteners. These are called stevioside, rebaudioside A, and rebaudioside D. Most products that contain these chemicals are labeled as “stevia extract” or simply “stevia.” These chemicals taste 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar, but they do not have any calories and do not raise blood sugar levels in your body. This can be helpful for people with diabetes who need to monitor their sugar intake and blood sugar levels. It can also help people who are trying to lose weight by eating fewer calories or limiting carbohydrates.

These purified chemicals should not be confused with whole or crushed stevia leaves. Stevia leaves naturally contain many other chemicals in addition to steviol glycosides. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have some effects on the body, and these effects are not well understood.

How should I store stevia?

You should store stevia according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of stevia?

Certain chemicals found in stevia, called steviol glycosides, seem to be well tolerated. There is not enough research to know what the common side effects of stevia leaves may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of stevia that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of stevia?

While less common, the most serious side effects of stevia are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Stevia may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using stevia and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use stevia?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use stevia.

• Rebaudioside
• Stevia
• Stevia rebaudiana
• Steviol glycosides
• Stevioside
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific stevia products they stock.

What should I know about stevia before using it?

The FDA does not consider the stevia plant to be a legal dietary ingredient. Stevia contains many different chemicals that have not been studied in humans. So, the safety of the plant is unknown.

Certain chemicals can be removed from stevia leaves and used as artificial sweeteners. These chemicals are called steviol glycosides and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. They can be added to foods, drinks, supplements, medicines, and other products, but they cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

The steviol glycosides that are used as artificial sweeteners are purified and removed from the stevia plant. However, many products containing these purified chemicals are called stevia or stevia extract. This can be confusing because that is also the name of the plant. Read the product label carefully to see which ingredients it has. Purified steviol glycosides usually look like a white powder or clear liquid. Crushed or processed stevia leaves are green, and adding them to water will make the water cloudy.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep stevia out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my health care provider before using stevia?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if stevia is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how stevia could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if stevia passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does stevia interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between stevia and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect stevia.

Does stevia interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between stevia and medicines are not fully understood. As with most substances that are added to foods, the research on drug interactions with stevia is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using stevia with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much stevia?

If you or someone else has used too much stevia, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Most products labeled as stevia or stevia extract contain a group of purified chemicals that were removed from the stevia plant. These purified chemicals are used as artificial sweeteners in many different foods and drinks. Read all product labels closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use stevia safely. If you are adding stevia to your own foods and drinks, do not use more than the amount recommended on the product label.