Is it safe to have stevia while pregnant?

The Safety of Stevia During Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Overview
As expectant mothers navigate the myriad of dietary choices available to them, the question of whether stevia, a popular natural sweetener, is safe during pregnancy often arises. The answer, however, is not straightforward and requires a nuanced understanding of the available research and guidelines.
FDA Stance on Stevia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified certain forms of stevia as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). This designation applies primarily to highly refined stevia extracts, which are commonly used in food products. However, the FDA has not granted this status to whole stevia leaves or unrefined stevia extracts, which raises concerns about their safety during pregnancy .
Moderation is Key
While refined stevia extracts are deemed safe, experts recommend moderation. The lack of specific guidelines for stevia consumption during pregnancy suggests that limiting intake may be prudent. Some healthcare professionals advise against excessive use of sugar substitutes, including stevia, as they may influence the developing fetus’s taste preferences.
Potential Risks of Whole Leaf Stevia
The primary concern with stevia during pregnancy lies with whole leaf and unrefined forms. These products have not been thoroughly studied for their effects on pregnant women and their developing babies. Some experts caution that these forms could pose risks to the kidneys and reproductive system, leading to recommendations for avoidance.
Comparative Safety of Other Sweeteners
In the broader context of artificial sweeteners, many are considered safe for use during pregnancy, with the exception of saccharin. Studies involving pregnant animals have shown no significant adverse effects from moderate consumption of approved sweeteners. However, the consensus remains that natural sugars, when consumed in moderation, may be a preferable choice for many pregnant women.
Conclusion: A Personal Decision
Ultimately, the decision to consume stevia during pregnancy rests with the individual. While refined stevia extracts are generally considered safe, the absence of comprehensive research on whole leaf forms and the potential risks associated with them suggest that caution is warranted. Pregnant women are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to make informed choices that align with their health needs and dietary preferences.

Why are people avoiding stevia?

Stevia may also: Affect the healthy bacteria in your stomach, causing gas and bloating. Raise heart attack and stroke risks, because it’s often mixed with erythritol, which has been found to increase these risks.

How much sugar level is OK in pregnancy?

To maintain a healthy pregnancy, blood sugars must be kept in a range between 60-120 mg/dl. Keeping your blood sugars within normal limits will help you prevent problems for you and your unborn baby.

What sugars should I avoid during pregnancy?

Free sugars are found in sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, and some fizzy drinks and juice drinks. These are the sugary foods pregnant women should try to cut down on as part of a healthy pregnancy diet5.

Is stevia safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
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. Rebaudioside A is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a sweetening agent for foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Why was stevia banned in India?

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.

Can sugar affect a baby in the womb?

In summary, although research has been limited, especially in human subjects, the available evidence suggests that there can be detrimental secondhand effects of in utero exposure to sugars from the maternal diet on offspring health.

Should you avoid artificial sweeteners when pregnant?

Most government guidelines, including but not limited to Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and the European Union state that sweeteners are safe during pregnancy, so we should feel safe consuming foods containing sweeteners during pregnancy.

Is stevia safe to eat while pregnant?

The use of saccharin is not recommended during pregnancy. It is a weak carcinogen that crosses the placenta. Stevia is a sweetener from a plant native to South America. Stevia is safe to consume during pregnancy.

Is stevia aspartame?

How are they different? Stevia is considered a “natural non-caloric sweetener.” Saccharin and sucralose are considered “non-nutritive sweeteners” (few or no calories). Aspartame is a “nutritive sweetener” (adds some calories but far less than sugar).

Who should not use stevia?

People with chronic low blood pressure and those who take blood pressure-lowering medications should speak to a doctor before adding stevia to their diet.