Five Little-Known Side Effects of Consuming Stevia
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Stevia is becoming increasingly popular as a sugar substitute because it tastes sweet without containing calories. Although it is often considered healthier than ordinary sugar, this natural sweetener can also have side effects that should be taken into account.
Stevia is a sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which has been used for centuries in South America. It can be 250 to 300 times sweeter than granulated sugar.
Stevia is generally safe for most people. However, some may experience side effects such as bloating, nausea, dizziness and numbness. These risks should also be considered by people with certain medical conditions or those taking medicines, particularly for diabetes and high blood pressure.
The following are some side effects of stevia to be aware of, according to Verywell Health, cited on Friday (30 October 2026:
- Digestive problems
Certain stevia sweetener products can cause digestive problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating and stomach pain. These side effects are generally not caused by stevia extract itself, but by sugar alcohols often added to stevia sweetener products.
People who are sensitive to sugar alcohols are more likely to experience digestive problems after consuming these products.
- Blood pressure may become too low
Stevia is known to have a blood-pressure-lowering effect, particularly in people with hypertension. While it generally does not lower blood pressure to a dangerous level in people whose blood pressure is normal, consuming stevia could intensify the effects of blood-pressure-lowering medicines.
People being treated for hypertension are therefore advised to consult a health professional before consuming large amounts of stevia.
- Blood sugar may fall too low
Stevia may also lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. If consumed alongside diabetes medication, this effect could increase the risk of hypoglycaemia, a condition in which blood sugar falls too low.
People with diabetes should also check the ingredients in stevia products sold on the market. Some contain additives such as maltodextrin, which can raise blood sugar levels.
- Possible effects on liver health
The effects of stevia on liver health remain a subject of research. One study in rats found a link between stevia consumption and increased liver enzyme levels.
However, studies in humans have suggested that stevia may help lower certain markers of fatty liver disease.
- Risk of allergic reactions
People with allergies to certain plants should also be cautious when consuming stevia, particularly those allergic to ragweed or related plants such as chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.
These people may be sensitive to stevia and are advised to consult a health professional before consuming it.
Can stevia cause cancer?
Stevia has also attracted attention over a possible link with cancer. Early research raised concerns about cancer risk, prompting the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban its use in 1991.
However, subsequent research reviewing hundreds of studies found no increased cancer risk from consuming stevia. Those findings later provided the basis for a change in the FDA’s policy.
The FDA now recognises highly purified stevia extracts as generally safe for consumption. Whole stevia leaves and raw stevia extracts, by contrast, have not received the same safety recognition for use in food.
What is the safe daily limit for stevia?
Despite its potential side effects, stevia can still be consumed daily if kept within safe limits. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) sets the acceptable daily intake at 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, calculated as steviol equivalents.
For example, a person weighing 60 kilograms has an acceptable daily intake of 240 milligrams of steviol equivalents.
This does not mean that 240 milligrams applies to every type of stevia product. The amount of extract or number of sachets equivalent to that intake can vary depending on the product’s composition and sweetener content.
In general, stevia can be an alternative for people who want to reduce their sugar and calorie consumption. However, its use should take account of a person’s health, medicines and the added ingredients in the product.
People with diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease or liver disease are particularly advised to consult a health professional before consuming large amounts of stevia.