Is stevia safe for babies?

Is Stevia Safe for Babies?
The question of whether stevia is safe for babies is a nuanced one, reflecting broader concerns about artificial sweeteners and their impact on children’s health. As parents increasingly seek alternatives to sugar, stevia—a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant—has gained popularity. However, the safety of this sweetener for infants and young children remains a topic of discussion among health professionals.
Regulatory Stance on Stevia
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), purified stevia extracts, particularly those containing steviol glycosides, are classified as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). This designation indicates that these refined forms of stevia are considered safe for consumption by the general population, including children. However, it is crucial to note that while these extracts are deemed safe, the specific effects of stevia on infants have not been extensively studied.
Lack of Research on Infants
Despite the GRAS status, there is a significant gap in research regarding the consumption of stevia by infants. A report highlights that while stevia can be a safe sugar substitute for older children, there are no specific studies examining its effects on infants. This lack of data raises concerns, as infants may react differently to substances compared to older children and adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for more research into the long-term effects of nonnutritive sweeteners, including stevia, on children’s health.
Potential Sensitivities in Children
Children, particularly infants, may be more sensitive to certain substances than adults. While stevia is a natural product, its effects on developing bodies are not fully understood. Some experts caution that introducing any sweetener, including stevia, to a baby’s diet should be approached with caution. The emphasis is often placed on the importance of a balanced diet rich in whole foods, rather than relying on sweeteners, even those considered safe.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach Recommended
In summary, while stevia is recognized as a safe sugar substitute for children, its safety for infants remains uncertain due to the lack of specific research. Parents are advised to exercise caution and consult with pediatricians before introducing stevia or any artificial sweeteners into their baby’s diet. Prioritizing whole foods and natural sources of sweetness, such as fruits, may be the best approach for ensuring healthy dietary habits from an early age.

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.

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).

Is stevia okay for baby?

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.

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.

What is the best sweetener for breastfeeding mothers?

Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS), including saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-potassium, are commonly consumed in the general population, and all except for saccharin are considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

What is the safest sweetener for children?

Stevia. Stevia is an herb that is extremely sweet, and it’s safe in its natural form. It has no calories and a very low glycemic index so does not create a spike in blood sugar.

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.

Is it okay to have stevia while breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe to take stevia when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Stevia is in the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family.

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.

Does stevia make kids hyper like sugar?

From a scientific perspective, there is no substantial evidence that sugar or artificial sweeteners cause hyperactivity in children.