Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia \u2013 Stevia is becoming increasingly popular as\na sugar substitute because it tastes sweet without containing calories.\nAlthough it is often considered healthier than ordinary sugar, this\nnatural sweetener can also have side effects that should be taken into\naccount.<\/p>\n
Stevia is a sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which\nhas been used for centuries in South America. It can be 250 to 300 times\nsweeter than granulated sugar.<\/p>\n
Stevia is generally safe for most people. However, some may\nexperience side effects such as bloating, nausea, dizziness and\nnumbness. These risks should also be considered by people with certain\nmedical conditions or those taking medicines, particularly for diabetes\nand high blood pressure.<\/p>\n
The following are some side effects of stevia to be aware of,\naccording to Verywell Health, cited on Friday (30 October 2026:<\/p>\n
Certain stevia sweetener products can cause digestive problems,\nincluding nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating and stomach pain. These\nside effects are generally not caused by stevia extract itself, but by\nsugar alcohols often added to stevia sweetener products.<\/p>\n
People who are sensitive to sugar alcohols are more likely to\nexperience digestive problems after consuming these products.<\/p>\n
Stevia is known to have a blood-pressure-lowering effect,\nparticularly in people with hypertension. While it generally does not\nlower blood pressure to a dangerous level in people whose blood pressure\nis normal, consuming stevia could intensify the effects of\nblood-pressure-lowering medicines.<\/p>\n
People being treated for hypertension are therefore advised to\nconsult a health professional before consuming large amounts of\nstevia.<\/p>\n
Stevia may also lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. If\nconsumed alongside diabetes medication, this effect could increase the\nrisk of hypoglycaemia, a condition in which blood sugar falls too\nlow.<\/p>\n
People with diabetes should also check the ingredients in stevia\nproducts sold on the market. Some contain additives such as\nmaltodextrin, which can raise blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n
The effects of stevia on liver health remain a subject of research.\nOne study in rats found a link between stevia consumption and increased\nliver enzyme levels.<\/p>\n
However, studies in humans have suggested that stevia may help lower\ncertain markers of fatty liver disease.<\/p>\n
People with allergies to certain plants should also be cautious when\nconsuming stevia, particularly those allergic to ragweed or related\nplants such as chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.<\/p>\n
These people may be sensitive to stevia and are advised to consult a\nhealth professional before consuming it.<\/p>\n
Can stevia cause cancer?<\/p>\n
Stevia has also attracted attention over a possible link with cancer.\nEarly research raised concerns about cancer risk, prompting the US Food\nand Drug Administration (FDA) to ban its use in 1991.<\/p>\n
However, subsequent research reviewing hundreds of studies found no\nincreased cancer risk from consuming stevia. Those findings later\nprovided the basis for a change in the FDA\u2019s policy.<\/p>\n
The FDA now recognises highly purified stevia extracts as generally\nsafe for consumption. Whole stevia leaves and raw stevia extracts, by\ncontrast, have not received the same safety recognition for use in\nfood.<\/p>\n
What is the safe daily limit for stevia?<\/p>\n
Despite its potential side effects, stevia can still be consumed\ndaily if kept within safe limits. The Joint FAO\/WHO Expert Committee on\nFood Additives (JECFA) sets the acceptable daily intake at 4 milligrams\nper kilogram of body weight per day, calculated as steviol\nequivalents.<\/p>\n
For example, a person weighing 60 kilograms has an acceptable daily\nintake of 240 milligrams of steviol equivalents.<\/p>\n
This does not mean that 240 milligrams applies to every type of\nstevia product. The amount of extract or number of sachets equivalent to\nthat intake can vary depending on the product\u2019s composition and\nsweetener content.<\/p>\n
In general, stevia can be an alternative for people who want to\nreduce their sugar and calorie consumption. However, its use should take\naccount of a person\u2019s health, medicines and the added ingredients in the\nproduct.<\/p>\n
People with diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease or liver disease\nare particularly advised to consult a health professional before\nconsuming large amounts of stevia.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/five-little-known-side-effects-of-consuming-stevia-1793343038", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }