Is it safe for babies to have stevia?

The Safety of Stevia for Babies: A Closer Look
As parents increasingly seek healthier alternatives to sugar for their children, the question of whether stevia is a safe option for babies arises. Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has gained popularity due to its zero-calorie content and potential health benefits. However, the safety of introducing stevia to infants and young children remains a topic of discussion among health professionals.
Understanding Stevia and Its Safety Profile
Research indicates that stevia is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in specific refined forms, particularly rebaudioside A, which is the most common extract used in food products. This designation by the FDA suggests that stevia can be a suitable sugar substitute for children, potentially helping to reduce sugar intake and combat childhood obesity .
However, while stevia may be safe for older children, the situation is less clear for infants. Experts note that there is a lack of comprehensive studies specifically examining the effects of stevia on babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for more research into the long-term impacts of nonnutritive sweeteners, including stevia, on children’s health, particularly concerning weight management and metabolic responses.
Potential Benefits and Considerations
One of the appealing aspects of stevia is its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for children who may be prone to sugar cravings. For parents looking to reduce their child’s sugar consumption, incorporating stevia into their diet could be a viable option. However, it is essential to approach this with caution, especially for infants.
While some sources suggest that small amounts of stevia can be introduced to children, the consensus remains that infants should primarily consume breast milk or formula, which provide the necessary nutrients for their development. Introducing sweeteners too early may also influence taste preferences, potentially leading to a preference for sweet flavors over more natural tastes.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach Recommended
In summary, while stevia is considered safe for older children and can serve as a beneficial sugar substitute, its use in infants should be approached with caution. The absence of specific studies on the effects of stevia on babies means that parents should prioritize traditional nutrition sources for their infants. As always, consulting with a pediatrician before introducing any new food or sweetener into a baby’s diet is advisable to ensure their health and safety.

What is a good alternative to honey for babies?

While honey is off-limits for infants, there are safe and healthy alternatives to satisfy their sweet tooth. Fruits, such as mashed bananas or pureed apples, can be a great natural source of sweetness. Additionally, you can try small amounts of maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives to honey.

Why was stevia banned in Europe?

Stevia was initially banned because some highly alarming early studies suggested that the sweetener might be linked to cancer. There were also other concerns about the sweet compounds in stevia leaves, known as steviol glycosides.

Is stevia worse for you than sugar?

In the sense that pure stevia doesn’t add calories, affect blood sugar or insulin levels, or contribute to tooth decay, it is a better choice than sugar. However, highly refined extracts perpetuate the desire for sweet-tasting foods and drinks, and therefore overconsumption is not recommended.

Why is stevia not FDA approved?

Whole stevia leaves and crude stevia leaf extracts are not approved food additives because there is not enough toxicological information available, according to the FDA. However, the use of stevia leaves and crude stevia leaf extracts in dietary supplements are not subject to FDA food additive regulations.

Are there any dangers of stevia?

Using stevia as a sugar substitute can reduce calories in foods and drinks, but it may also have some adverse effects. Possible side effects include nausea, bloating, low blood pressure, and hormone disruption. Stevia is a non-nutritive or zero-calorie sweetener made of steviol glycosides.

What sweeteners can babies have?

The best options for sweeteners after the age of 1 are maple syrup, date syrup and honey (never give honey in the first year).

Does stevia pass into breastmilk?

The stevia leaf has been studied for treating diabetes and hypertension, although results are equivocal. Stevia has no specific lactation-related uses. No data exist on the excretion of any components of stevia into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of stevia in nursing mothers or infants.

Is stevia safe for infants?

Stevia has been shown to be safe for children up to the acceptable daily limit of 4mg/kg of body weight set by the European Food Safety Authority. Whilst many children eat less than this, we know that toddlers are the group most likely to eat over this amount.

Can I give my 1 year old sugar?

Foods with added sugars, low-calorie sweeteners, or no-calorie sweeteners are not recommended. Foods with added sugars can include muffins, flavored yogurts, or cookies. Children younger than 24 months old should avoid added sugars. Check the Nutrition Facts Label to find foods with no added sugars.