Indications
Rebaudioside A is a highly purified sweet substance taken from the leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). It is used as a zero or very low calorie sugar substitute in drinks and food, mainly by people with diabetes, people who are trying to lose weight, and anyone who wants to cut down on sugar. It is a food sweetener, not a treatment for diabetes or obesity.
How It Works
Rebaudioside A is about 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, so only a tiny amount is needed. It activates the sweet taste receptors on the tongue but is not broken down into sugar in the body. Gut bacteria convert it to steviol, which is passed out mainly in the urine. Because of this, it adds sweetness without raising blood sugar or adding meaningful calories.
Dosage and Administration
Use as directed on the label to sweeten tea, coffee, other drinks or food. The pack usually tells you how much equals one teaspoon of sugar. The acceptable daily intake set by international food safety experts is up to 4 mg of steviol equivalents per kg of body weight per day, which is far more than most people use.
Interactions
No important interactions are known at normal food amounts. In theory, very large amounts may slightly add to the effect of medicines that lower blood sugar or blood pressure. People on diabetes medicines should still check their blood sugar as usual, since the rest of their diet matters most.
Contraindications
- Known allergy to stevia or plants of the daisy family (such as ragweed, chrysanthemum or marigold).
- Allergy to any other ingredient in the product, such as fillers or sugar alcohols.
Side Effects
Purified stevia sweeteners are usually very well tolerated. Some people notice a bitter or liquorice-like aftertaste. Products that also contain sugar alcohols such as erythritol may cause bloating, gas or loose stools if large amounts are used. Allergic reactions are rare.
Get urgent medical help if you notice swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or a widespread itchy rash.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Highly purified Rebaudioside A is considered safe in normal food amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid crude stevia leaf or whole leaf extracts during this time, as their safety has not been established.
Precautions and Warnings
A sugar substitute is only one part of managing diabetes or weight; follow your diet, exercise and medicine plan. Check the label for any added sugars, fillers or sugar alcohols. People with very low blood sugar episodes must still use real sugar or glucose to treat them, not a sweetener.
Overdose
Accidental intake of a large amount is unlikely to be harmful but may cause stomach upset or loose stools, especially from added sugar alcohols. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe.
Therapeutic Class
Non-nutritive (zero calorie) natural sweetener.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.