GoodRx HealthIs Stevia Better or Worse for You Than Other Sweeteners?

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Recent research sheds light on stevia, a plant-derived sweetener, as a potentially safer alternative to both sugar and artificial sweeteners. This no-calorie option offers promising health benefits while addressing concerns associated with other sweeteners.

Key Points:

• Stevia, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, is a natural, no-calorie sweetener up to 400 times sweeter than table sugar.
• High-purity stevia leaf extract, containing 95% steviol glycosides, is the form approved for use in the US and found in most grocery stores.
• Studies suggest stevia may have protective effects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, though more human research is needed.
• In people with diabetes, stevia-sweetened tea did not raise blood sugar or affect HbA1C levels, making it a potentially suitable sugar substitute for blood sugar management.
• Stevia consumption has been associated with modest blood pressure reductions and improved kidney function markers in early-stage chronic kidney disease.
• Unlike some artificial sweeteners, stevia has not been linked to increased appetite or decreased feelings of fullness.
• When choosing stevia products, physicians should advise patients to check labels for additives like maltodextrin, dextrose, or sugar alcohols, which may impact blood sugar or cause digestive issues.

Stevia consumption was associated with significantly reducing blood glucose levels (WMD: −3.84; 95 % CI: −7.15, −0.53; P = 0.02, low certainty), especially in individuals with higher BMI, diabetes, and hypertension. Dose-response analysis revealed a decrease in blood glucose for ≥3342 mg/day of stevia consumption. (Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews)

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