Magic leaf stevia is being propagated as sugar supplement. At present I am using sugar free tabs occasionally. Is stevia extract is harmful for health? Please advise.

Question

Stevia has been generally considered safe, although anything in excess could have side effects. Cane sugar undoubtedly worsens blood glucose control as it is converted to glucose. Sugar free substitutes are beneficial in diabetic patients as these are not converted to glucose hence doesn't need insulin. That's why they are labelled sugar free. There is debate whether stevia can cause cancer. But it has been used for a long time in south america. That being said maltitol and similar compounds are not sugar free exactly and can be converted into glucose. That's those found in biscuits and chocolates. The who's joint experts committee on food additives has approved, based on long-term studies, an acceptable daily intake�of steviol glycoside of up to 4�mg/kg of body weight.

Santhosh C Abraham · Accepted Answer

Stevia has been generally considered safe, although anything in excess could have side effects. Cane sugar undoubtedly worsens blood glucose control as it is converted to glucose. Sugar free substitutes are beneficial in diabetic patients as these are not converted to glucose hence doesn't need insulin. That's why they are labelled sugar free. There is debate whether stevia can cause cancer. But it has been used for a long time in south america. That being said maltitol and similar compounds are not sugar free exactly and can be converted into glucose. That's those found in biscuits and chocolates. The who's joint experts committee on food additives has approved, based on long-term studies, an acceptable daily intake�of steviol glycoside of up to 4�mg/kg of body weight.

Prabhakar Laxman Jathar · Answer

Hello, thanks fr the query. Stevia is a good sugar substitute is quite a safe one. Now days it is considered as very safe and a good option for diabetes patients. Thanks.