Amid growing concerns about artificial sweeteners, many people have asked whether stevia can also change gut bacteria.
Stevia is a sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of a plant, Stevia rebaudiana, and is almost 200 times sweeter than regular table sugar.
In 2008, the FDA declared that stevia was safe in foods and beverages. Since it is taken in such small quantities and is not absorbed in the upper intestinal tract, it does not raise blood sugar levels.
However, very little research has been done on its effect on gut bacteria. Stevia passes to the colon where it is fermented by bacteria into glucose (an absorbable sugar) and then into steviol, a sugar alcohol, which passes out in the stool.
One study showed that stevia reduces the number of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus reuteri, which may increase the risk for diabetes and weight gain. Lactobacillus reuteri helps to prevent heart attacks by lowering cholesterol and is used to treat diarrhea in children. However, another study found stevia did not change human fecal cultures incubated with either stevioside or rebaudioside A.
Stevia Products Are Often Adulterated
If you want to use stevia, make sure you read the list of ingredients on the label.Truvia, a popular brand of sweetener that claims to contain stevia, also contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol, and “natural flavors.”
