Can Stevia Affect Fertility?

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Highlights:

• Stevia, a natural calorie-free sweetener, is used in "sugar-free" products, but it can have potential side effects, including digestive discomfort, dizziness, muscle aches,etc
• It may also lower blood pressure and blood sugar, posing risks for certain fertility concerns have been raised, although human effects remain inconclusive
• Moderation and caution are advised when using stevia

When battling the bulge, we often wage a war against those hidden calories. Sugar, with its four calories per gram, can be a formidable adversary. Stevia, a natural sweetener, may seem like a calorie-free savior, but is it truly safe?

Many "sugar-free" foods and drinks contain stevia, offering the sweetness we crave without the calorie burden. These products primarily employ highly purified glycosides, such as rebaudioside A or stevioside, extracted from stevia leaves. However, it's crucial to explore the potential side effects of stevia consumption.

Side Effects of Stevia

Some individuals have reported experiencing a sense of fullness, bloating, and even nausea as a response to stevia consumption.

1. Dizziness

   
   Dizziness is another side effect that has been associated with stevia use in some cases

2. Muscle Aches and Numbness

   
   Aching muscles have been documented as a potential reaction to this natural sweetener.
   In certain instances, people have reported numbness, affecting their hands, feet, or even the tongue

3. Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Concerns

   
   Stevia has been found to lower blood pressure, which could be problematic if you already have low blood pressure or are using medications or herbs with similar effects.
   Stevia may also have a blood sugar-lowering effect, which can be problematic if your blood sugar is already low or if you're taking medications or herbs with similar properties

4. Allergic Reactions

   
   Stevia belongs to the Asteraceae or Compositae plant family. If you have allergies to other plants within this family, such as ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or daisies, you may be at risk of an allergic reaction to stevia

Fertility Concerns of Stevia

Stevia has been traditionally used among native Indians in Paraguay for its potential contraceptive effects in men. Animal studies have yielded conflicting results, with some showing no impact on fertility and others suggesting a link between stevia consumption and reduced sperm count and testosterone levels (1^✔).

‘Stevia extract reduced fertility in rats by up to 21%, and by 47%. #stevia #naturalsweetener #medindia’

The acceptable daily intake of Stevia dry extract, as defined by the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Food Safety Authority and Food and Drug Administration, is 4 mg/kg body mass.

An earlier study indicated that Stevia extract reduced fertility in rats by up to 21%, with a 47% reduction even after a recovery period. This was accompanied by a decrease in seminal vesicle and testis weight, as well as a significant drop in stored spermatozoa (2^✔).

There have been conflicting findings regarding the mutagenic potential of steviol, with some studies confirming this effect and others not.

Animal studies indicate that steviol, a metabolite of stevioside, may be toxic during pregnancy, leading to adverse effects such as maternal mortality, decreased maternal weight gain, and reduced fetal weight gain.

While human effects are not well-documented, it's prudent to exercise caution and avoid stevia during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Notably, there is a long history of safe Stevia consumption by Paraguayans, and Japanese populations have reported no adverse effects despite consuming Stevia in large quantities. Most human studies also show no significant side effects (3^✔).

In conclusion, stevia, while a promising calorie-free sweetener, is not without its potential side effects. Understanding these effects and maintaining moderation in consumption is essential for ensuring your well-being while enjoying the benefits of this natural sweetener.

References:

1. Contraceptive Properties of Stevia rebaudiana - (https:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17744732/)
2. Natural sweetener Stevia rebaudiana: Functionalities, health benefits and potential risks - (https:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8600158/)
3. Plants Used as Means of Abortion, Contraception, Sterilization and Fecundation by Paraguayan Indigenous People - (https:www.jstor.org/stable/4253849)

Source: Medindia

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