But be aware of how sugar substitutes affect your food and drink choices. Routine consumption of these sweeteners may also lead to a higher risk of cardiometabolic disease. In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an . According to a 2020 review, "In addition to its hypoglycemic property, the stevia plant also exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-fertility and cardiotonic properties." Below are some of the main advantages associated with stevia use: 1. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1994;84:111-8. It has many health benefits, and may help protect against several chronic conditions. In this article, we look at the possible risks and side effects associated with this natural sweetener. This has since been proven highly unlikely, except in individuals with abnormally low blood sugar levels. But if you often have foods and drinks with lots of added sugar, the empty calories can add up. Metabolically activated steviol, the aglycone of stevioside, is mutagenic. For example, research has shown that stevia extract may improve glucose tolerance in people with diabetes, and even in those without diabetes, according to a small study with 97 participants published in August 2018 in Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications. While most people will not experience any side effects from consuming it, stevia blends containing sugar alcohols may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in people with sugar alcohol sensitivity. View abstract. Consult your physician before using a product containing stevia. What is stevia? It varies by a person's weight and the type of sugar substitute used. One way to add some extra flavor and nutrients to your day is by adding prune juice to your diet. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, December 2008. According to the FDA, the acceptable daily intake for steviol equivalents is 4 milligrams (mg) per kilogram of body weight. Accessed Nov. 14, 2022. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. (2009). We dig into the ingredients of popular zero-regret ice creams and find out if our bodies can take the hype. M S, M P, E T, et al. Taking stevia along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. If we combine this information with your protected Stevia is a non-nutritive or zero-calorie sweetener made of steviol glycosides. Jeppesen, P. B., Gregersen, S., Alstrup, K. K., and Hermansen, K. Stevioside induces antihyperglycaemic, insulinotropic and glucagonostatic effects in vivo: studies in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers. So it's still unclear exactly what potential stevia side effects may occur from routine consumption of the sweetener. indigestion. Some people enjoy it, but its a turn-off for others. From wellcurve.in. Currently, there isnt enough evidence that whole-leaf stevia or crude stevia extract wont harm your pregnancy. Some people with diabetes claim it's fine, while others . Your lithium dose might need to be changed. Guilt-Free Ice Cream Is Trending, but Is It Actually Healthy? Food Chem. 2003;41(3):359-374. A study published in December 2015 in Physiology & Behavior notes that certain non-nutritive sweeteners have been linked to a reduction in dental cavities. D'Agostino, M., De Simone, F., Pizza, C., and Aquino, R. [Sterols in Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni]. Artificial sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar. Sweeteners made with Reb-A are considered novel sweeteners because theyre blended with different sweeteners, such as erythritol (a sugar alcohol) and dextrose (glucose). Processed foods often contain a lot of sugar, yet it can be difficult to tell how much. Artificial sweeteners: Weight loss friend or foe? Stevia contains chemicals that are 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose sugar. View abstract. Taking stevia along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Learn about the pros and cons of sugar substitutes, also called artificial sweeteners. Frequently Asked Questions DOI: Zeratsky K. (2018). However, not enough research exists to support this claim. Lemus-Mondaca R, Vega-Galvez A, Zura-Bravo L, Ah-Hen K. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, source of a high-potency natural sweetener: A comprehensive review on the biochemical, nutritional and functional aspects. The Mayo Clinic reports that there are a few side effects associated with using stevia: Dizziness Muscle pains Numbness Nausea Gas Bloating These side effects are not serious and only last a short duration if at all. Sugar alcohols may also slightly tip the carb count. For adults and children with overweight or obesity, sugar substitutes also might help manage weight in the short term. Farhat G, Berset V, Moore L. Effects of Stevia Extract on Postprandial Glucose Response, Satiety and Energy Intake: A Three-Arm Crossover Trial. According to a 2015 review, there are very few reported cases of stevia allergy. Microbiol Immunol 1997;41:1005-9. Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. And if used in moderation, artificial sweeteners can be part of a healthy diet. Biol Pharm Bull. Potential complications with the. Another popular zero-calorie sweetener issucralose, sold under the brand name Splenda. Get back on track in 5 steps. View abstract. Using sugar substitutes might make your symptoms flare up. 2012;132(3):1121-1132. So try to cut back if you use them a few times a day. Side effects of stevia According to the International Stevia Council's website ( 10 ): "Based on the positive safety opinions of this sweetener, stevia leaf extracts are safe and harmless - like every other approved food." What does "based on the positive safety opinions" even mean? The FDA allows product-makers to use sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol, too. View abstract. 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MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Consumption of stevia may be linked to cancer. Office of Regulatory Affairs. And it's best to use sugar substitutes for a short time, or just every once in a while. [7] Some people have allergic reactions to steviol glycosides that . Stevia side effects. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Numbness Here are 12 benefits of ginkgo biloba. Does soy really affect breast cancer risk? muscle cramps. 2017;16(1):55. doi:10.1186/s12937-017-0278-x. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/basics/weightloss-basics/hlv-20049483. (2017). other information we have about you. Stevioside. These products rarely cause side effects. Stevia is safe for most people to use. Theres some evidence to suggest that stevia may help fight or prevent some types of cancer. Evaluation of the genotoxicity of stevioside and steviol using six in vitro and one in vivo mutagenicity assays. Nutrients 2020;12(10):3049. While some studies have shown stevia can be used to manage diabetes and weight loss, a study published in July 2017 in Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that consuming nonnutritive sweeteners frequently may actually result in an increase in body mass index (BMI). You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. A study published in May 2016 in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology found that the metabolite steviol boosted progesterone production, as well as caused a response in CatSper, a progesterone receptor of sperm. It's also associated with several impressive. Food Chem Toxicol 2008;46 Suppl 7:S83-91. Still, ingredients that fall under the natural flavor umbrella may be highly processed. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Stevia might lower blood sugar levels. While several studies have identified potential side effects of stevia over the last few decades, most were done using laboratory animals, and many have since been disproved. If you have a bowel disease. Sugar substitutes also are not linked to a higher risk of cancer in people. You might try to stay away from table sugar by using less processed sweeteners such as honey and molasses. However, the FDA reversed the ban in 1995 after a follow-up study found no connection. Accessed Nov. 15, 2022. It's possible that different types of products may cause stevia stomach upset more than others. Video of the Day The Science Behind Stevia Stevia, not to be confused with Splenda, is a sugar substitute sweetener that comes from the plant Stevia rebaudiana, which is native to South America. Stevia is not known to cause inflammation. 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Additional information about high-intensity sweeteners. Structures of the novel diterpene glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana. Both the FDA and European Commission concluded that the number of individuals who are hypersensitive to stevia or at a risk of having an allergic response to it is low. Jeppesen, P. B., Gregersen, S., Rolfsen, S. E., Jepsen, M., Colombo, M., Agger, A., Xiao, J., Kruhoffer, M., Orntoft, T., and Hermansen, K. Antihyperglycemic and blood pressure-reducing effects of stevioside in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rat. (2017). One of the Stevia side effects is Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, can be caused due to the increased consumption of Stevia. Barriocanal LA, Palacios M, Benitez G, et al. Liver side effects: Research on the impact of stevia on the liver is preliminary and . Pepino, M. Y. Consuming too much stevia may lead to nausea, bloating, dizziness, muscle pain, and numbness. Geuns JM. A pilot study of repeated exposures in some normotensive and hypotensive individuals and in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. These ingredients may get your tastebuds used to sweetness. A study published in June 2019 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America delved into how and why this plant naturally creates such a high level of sweetness. Monk fruit and stevia are the latest buzz-worthy candidates for your morning cup of coffee or tea. It may also drop blood pressure too low or interact with medications that lower blood. If you experience anything unusual with using stevia, it is always wise to contact your physician. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you have diabetes, stevia may help keep your blood sugar levels in check. View abstract. (2019). It may also damage. Prakash I, Dubois GE, Clos JF, et al. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/phenylketonuria/symptoms-causes/syc-20376302. View abstract. Which is a leading reason it's studied for use in diabetic patients. Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. For some people, it may raise blood sugar and insulin levels. Advertisements 3. (2018). 2007;232(1):164-173. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Hives. Effects of chronic administration of Stevia rebaudiana on fertility in rats. 1-15-2009;17(2):600-605. The same study also suggested nonnutritive sweeteners may induce glucose intolerance and metabolic disorders. This means it has almost no calories. Stevia leaf extract, known to most as stevia, is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener used as asugar substitute. They offer the sweetness of sugar without the calories. Did you know artificial sweeteners may actually increase the risk of diabetes or worsen your condition? Curi R, Alvarez M, Bazotte RB, et al. Stevia (Pure Via, Truvia) Artificial sweeteners are also called sugar substitutes, low-calorie sweeteners or nonnutritive sweeteners. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. It also increased HDL (good) cholesterol. Food Chem Toxicol 2008;46 Suppl 7:S40-6. View abstract. The study found stevia lowered total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides with no negative side effects. Abdel-Aal RA, Abdel-Rahman MS, Al Bayoumi S, Ali LA. Kinghorn, A. D., Soejarto, D. D., Nanayakkara, N. P., Compadre, C. M., Makapugay, H. C., Hovanec-Brown, J. M., Medon, P. J., and Kamath, S. K. A phytochemical screening procedure for sweet ent-kaurene glycosides in the genus Stevia. These are compounds extracted and refined from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. There is a problem with You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on In some people, stevia products made with sugar alcohols may cause digestive problems, such as bloating and diarrhea. 252. 5 Best Sugar Substitutes for People with Diabetes, Diet Drinks Won't Protect Heart Health Any Better Than Sugary Drinks: Study, Study: Raw Honey May Improve Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Levels, Stevia, Nature's Zero-Calorie Sustainable Sweetener: A New Player in the Fight Against Obesity, Additional information about high-intensity sweeteners, Effects of aspartame-, monk fruit-, stevia- and sucrose-sweetened beverages on postprandial glucose, insulin and energy intake, Sucralose administered in feed, beginning prenatally through lifespan, induces hematopoietic neoplasias in male swiss mice, Health outcomes of non-nutritive sweeteners: analysis of the research landscape, Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals, Low-Dose Stevia (Rebaudioside A) Consumption Perturbs Gut Microbiota and the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward System, he hidden hazardous effects of Stevia and sucralose consumption in male and female albino mice in comparison to sucrose, Rebaudioside affords hepatoprotection ameliorating sugar sweetened beverage- induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, FDA regulatory approach to steviol glycosides. Stevia sweeteners don't have calories and are a good choice for people trying to lose weight. In fact, evidence is still inconclusive in many ways as to how stevia affects the body over time. This article discusses the different forms of stevia and the side effects of this sugar alternative. Braz J Med Biol Res 1996;29:669-75. It's best known as a natural sweetener. Last medically reviewed on December 3, 2018. Since there's a variety of stevia products out there, ranging from pure stevia powder to liquid drops and extract, it's possible other sweeteners or products have been added to those mixes. Rios-Leyvraz M, et al. However, one noted limitation in this study is that it took place in a laboratory setting, rather than in a real-life situation in a persons natural environment. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. DOI: Has stevia been approved by FDA to be used as a sweetener? Grembecka, M. (2015). If you are concerned about the potential side effects of stevia, research shows that it is safe to consume and unlikely to cause side effects in most people. A 2019 study reported a possible link between nonnutritive sweeteners, including stevia, and disruption in beneficial intestinal flora. This is a common mystery with herbal products. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Health agencies have clarified that sugar substitutes do not cause serious health problems. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Phenylketonuria (PKU). Some stevia side effects include digestive or stomach issues, allergies, an increased risk of weight gain and potential endocrine disruption. Last medically reviewed on October 27, 2017. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Available Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Book: Mayo Clinic 5 Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Autism spectrum disorder and digestive symptoms, Bad food habits at work? These can be added to foods or drinks at home. It is based on significant research. These agencies check ingredients, such as sugar substitutes, before foods or drinks that contain them can go on sale. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness and tolerability of oral stevioside in human hypertension. Additional information about high-intensity sweeteners permitted for use in food in the United States. The Best Sugar Substitutes for People with Diabetes. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Toskulkao C, Sutheerawatananon M, Wanichanon C, et al. Ajami M, Seyfi M, Abdollah Pouri Hosseini F, et al. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. This article explains what whole eating is and shares 11 simple ways clean up your. Find out here what makes good sugar. Int J Occup Environ Health. Stevia does not cause side effects in most people. Be sure to consume pure extract stevia that's considered safe, and eat it as part of a more balanced diet. Some research suggests stevia could make you gain weight. Effect of stevia extract intervention on lipid profile. Low-Dose Stevia (Rebaudioside A) Consumption Perturbs Gut Microbiota and the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward System. View abstract. Muscle Pain Aching muscles may also occur in some cases as a reaction to this sweetener. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria from sugar damage the teeth. View abstract. J.Agric.Food Chem. Effect of stevia aqueous extract on the antidiabetic activity of saxagliptin in diabetic rats. In a preliminary 2017 study, rats with diets comprised of up to 3.5 percent stevia for 90 days presented no clinical symptoms and experienced no change in blood chemistry, cellular function, compensation, or appearance. In general, sugar substitutes are safe for healthy adults. New research shows that artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of weight gain and, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Sugar, particularly refined sugars, has been linked to countless health risks, including diabetes and heart disease. View abstract. Are the benefits of Stevia better than sugar? Many sugar substitutes taste sweeter than sugar. Ashwell, M. (2015). US Food and Drug Administration. Currently, researchers have only explored the potentially positive aspects of this use. Almost everyone likes a sugary snack. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240046429. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Heuberger R. Overview of non-nutritive sweeteners. DOI: Sharma N, et al. Influence of stevioside on hepatic glycogen levels in fasted rats. How sweet it is: All about sugar substitutes. Andrographis is a medicinal herb used to treat many health conditions, such as the common cold, osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Clin Ther 2003;25:2797-808. Increasingly, stevia supplements and extracts are being found to contain counterfeit ingredients, primarily artificial sweeteners that are linked to known health risks. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Klongpanichpak, S., Temcharoen, P., Toskulkao, C., Apibal, S., and Glinsukon, T. Lack of mutagenicity of stevioside and steviol in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100. Stevioside may also help decrease some mitochondrial pathways that help cancer grow. Pezzuto JM, Compadre CM, Swanson SM, et al. What's the difference between juicing and blending? information submitted for this request. ", Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology: "In Vitro Bioassay Investigations of the Endocrine Disrupting Potential of Steviol Glycosides and Their Metabolite Steviol, Components of the Natural Sweetener Stevia", Harvard Health: "Sweeteners: Time to Rethink Your Choices? When you want to add a pinch of sweet taste to your food or drinks without the pitfalls of sugar, you may find yourself turning to sugar alternatives like stevia. Reb-A is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar. 10-22-2003;51(22):6618-6622. Monk Fruit vs. Stevia: Which Sweetener Should You Use? However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only consider high-purity steviol glycosides to be safe for human consumption currently. 1997;80 Suppl 1:S121-S128. Planta Med 2005;71(2):108-113. This amount is called the acceptable daily intake (ADI). Maki KC, Curry LL, Carakostas MC, et al. Again, to be safe, only use the type of stevia that is considered safe by the FDA (anything that's pure stevia extract rather than crude extracts or the leaf itself). It also left study participants satisfied and full after eating, despite the lower calorie intake. Rebecca Valdez is a registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition communications consultant, passionate about food justice, equity, and sustainability. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. They add calories to your diet. (2015). The following are few of the asserted side effects or dangers of stevia: 1. Stevia is often touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up foods without the negative health effects linked to refined sugar. blood pressure conditions and medications. Learn more about stevia side effects to educate yourself on how to incorporate sweeteners into your diet. Some sugar substitutes also are sold on their own in packets or other containers. 2. Accessed Nov. 14, 2022. Many focus on how the gut and brain communicate. Some stevia products contain added sugar alcohols that may cause unpleasant symptoms in individuals that are very sensitive to the chemicals. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of allergic reaction may include: Tingling or itching in the mouth. It is therefore important to buy products certified to contain at least 95 percent steviol glycoside, and that contain no artificial or synthetic sweeteners. Stevia has a mild, licorice-like taste thats slightly bitter. Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Garner C. Nutrition in pregnancy: Assessment and counseling. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/high-intensity-sweeteners. For these reasons, it may be useful for people taking steps to control . Effects of stevioside on glucose transport activity in insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant rat skeletal muscle. (2013). Rebaudioside affords hepatoprotection ameliorating sugar sweetened beverage- induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Although hypersensitivity to sugar alcohol is rare, its symptoms can include: Several studies using rodent and human cell cultures have demonstrated the potential gastrointestinal benefits of steviol glycosides. In 1991, the FDA banned stevia over concerns that it was linked tocancer. Stevia might lower blood pressure. Koyama, E., Kitazawa, K., Ohori, Y., Izawa, O., Kakegawa, K., Fujino, A., and Ui, M. In vitro metabolism of the glycosidic sweeteners, stevia mixture and enzymatically modified stevia in human intestinal microflora. Since Stevia helps to reduce high blood pressure, it can also low down the blood pressure when consumed on a regular basis. Artificial sweeteners can be a short-term way to help some people lessen their use of sugar and lose or manage weight. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. And finally, the study says that stevia in addition to a regular drug regimen could reduce the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Stevia use has been shown to help limit and reduce diarrhea and the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The same amount of cola sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame has none. Its unclear if occasional stevia use in lower amounts would have the same impact. (2012). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. And that can make drinking enough water a challenge. Food Chem.Toxicol. J Ethnopharmacol 2021;265:113188. All the Stevia Pros and Cons You Should Know Before Using It, 10 Foods You Don't Realize Are Packed With Sugar, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America: "Molecular Basis for Branched Steviol Glucoside Biosynthesis", Nutrition Today: "Stevia, Natures Zero-Calorie Sustainable Sweetener", U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "Has Stevia Been Approved by FDA to Be Used as a Sweetener? Safety of a proposed amendment of the specifications for steviol glycosides (E 960) as a food additive: to expand the list of steviol glycosides to all those identified in the leaves of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni. Stevia comes from the Asteraceae family of plants, which as a whole has been linked to certain allergies. They taste sweet like sugar but have fewer calories. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. That includes soft drinks, candy and baked goods. Accessed Nov. 11, 2022. 2014;60(11):1003-1005. Because of this, it takes only a small amount of artificial sweeteners to sweeten foods. A new study reveals the mechanisms behind, Millions of people routinely consume artificial sweeteners. The hidden hazardous effects of Stevia and sucralose consumption in male and female albino mice in comparison to sucrose. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Researchers are checking to see if sugar substitutes affect cravings for sweets, the way people feel hunger and how the body manages blood sugar. This content does not have an Arabic version. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;33:257-622. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Stevia products made with Reb-A are considered safe, even for people who are pregnant or who have diabetes. View abstract. Stevia isn't damaging to the body. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~rdb/opa-gn08.html. Planta Med 2001;67(9):796-799. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2008;51:37-41. Metabolism 2003;52(3):372-378. Matsui M, Matsui K, Kawasaki Y, et al. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Some stevia brands also contain natural flavors. In general, it is safest to take in small amounts of sugar substitutes. If youre trying to lose weight, this aspect may be appealing. Common potentially harmful chemicals found in stevia products include: When consumed at low doses, purified stevia is generally not considered to pose health risks for pregnant people. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 1984;47(3):439-444. 2017;41(3):450-457. However, some products containing. Monitor your blood pressure closely. For purposes of this article, stevia refers to Reb-A products. Don't get tricked by these 3 heart-health myths, Get to know the new Nutrition Facts label, Nutrition rules that will fuel your workout, Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the following sugar substitutes to be used: Other countries, such as those in the European Union, have more sugar substitute options than does the United States. To avoid stevia stomach upset, be careful before purchasing stevia products. DOI: Pepino MY. Finally, Harvard Health cites research that found some non-sugar sweeteners (NSSs) were actually linked to weight gain and obesity, despite their use in attempting to prevent those very problems. And there are other possible problems. View abstract. A review on the improvement of stevia [Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni). Metabolism 2004;53:101-7. But limit or cut out sugar substitutes: Dietary guidelines for Americans say adults shouldn't give sugar substitutes to children under 2 years old. So, practice caution. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Interestingly, stevia isn't a new discovery either. For example, Truvia is a blend of Reb-A and erythritol, and Stevia in The Raw is a blend of Reb-A and dextrose (packets) or maltodextrin (Bakers Bag). CFSAN/Office of Food Additive Safety.