Stevia is a plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. Seeking sugar alternatives, many individuals use stevia in various food and beverage products. For expectant mothers, a frequent question arises regarding its safety during pregnancy. Understanding the different forms of stevia and their regulatory statuses can help clarify its role in a prenatal diet.
Safety of Purified Stevia Extracts
High-purity steviol glycosides, such as Rebaudioside A (Reb-A), have received the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This GRAS status extends to consumption by pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.
Research on these highly purified extracts indicates no evidence of harm to the mother or developing baby when consumed in moderation. Leading global health authorities, including the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), also affirm the safety of high-purity steviol glycosides within established intake levels. Common brand names utilizing these purified extracts include Truvia, Pure Via, Stevia in the Raw, and Enliten.
Unapproved Stevia Forms to Avoid
It is important to distinguish between purified stevia forms and those not recommended during pregnancy. Whole-leaf stevia and crude stevia extracts are not approved by the FDA as food additives. This lack of approval stems from insufficient toxicological research on these unrefined forms.
Researchers have cited concerns regarding whole-leaf and crude stevia extracts, including potential effects on blood sugar control, kidney function, and the cardiovascular system. The FDA warns against their use as food additives and has placed an import alert on these forms due to safety and toxicity concerns. Therefore, only highly refined stevia products are considered permissible for consumption.
Managing Daily Intake
Regulatory bodies establish an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) to define the amount of a substance that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without posing an appreciable health risk. For steviol glycosides, the JECFA has set an ADI of 4 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, expressed as steviol equivalents. This translates to approximately 12 mg/kg of body weight per day for Rebaudioside A.
For an individual weighing 60 kilograms (approximately 132 pounds), the ADI would be 240 mg of steviol equivalents per day, or 720 mg of Rebaudioside A. While a single packet of stevia sweetener typically contains a much smaller amount (12-35 mg of steviol glycosides), it is advisable to check product labels. Stevia is frequently present in various foods and beverages, making label reading a practical step to avoid unintentional overconsumption and remain within recommended daily limits.