Stevia nutrients

The metabolism of stevioside is discussed in relation with the possible formation of steviol. Different mutagenicity studies as well as studies on carcinogenicity are discussed. Acute and subacute toxicity studies revealed a very low toxicity of Stevia and stevioside. A survey is given of calculated ADI s. Fertility and teratogenicity studies are discussed as well as the effects on the bio-availability of other nutrients in the diet. 

Stevia used in small amounts has no negative consequenses for the bioavailability of nutrients from the diet and it does not have adverse physiological effects. This can be deduced from the data used to determine the ADI (see above) and from the use of Stevia in countries as Paraguay (used since more than 500 years), Brasil, China, Japan (more than 25 years) and even in the USA Stevia allowed as dietary supplement). 

In all of the above cited experiments, no indications of any influence on the bio-availability of nutrients, nor on physiological effects were found. The animal feed used in the experiments did not contain sugar supplements. Therefore, no reduction of weight gain was observed in the experiments as Stevia or stevioside did not substitute for added sugar. 

Moreover, Stevia and stevioside are used extensively in countries like Paraguay, Brasil, Japan, China, USA etc. and no indications were found of effects on the bioavailability of other nutrients or on other physiological functions of the human body. Stevia and stevioside have been consumed by hundreds of millions of people and this during a very long period of time, both by adults and by children without giving the smallest indication of any harmful effect. 

Nutrient-dense foods provide substantial amounts of vitamins and minerals with relative few calories. Stevia, an artificial sweetener derived from a South American plant, was declared safe in December, 2008, by the Food and Drug Administration. By early 2009, more than 110 bevert es and health care products sold in the United States contained stevia. 

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