Background
The overconsumption of caloric sugars has been associated with excess energy and poor diet quality and further with weight gain. Several studies have explored the influence of NNS in acute metabolic outcomes, especially blood sugar levels. Stevia (stevia glycosides), is one such popular natural sweetener, alternative to caloric sugar, which has been least studied for its effect on metabolic responses in humans.
Objective
The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of the daily consumption of stevia on glucose homeostasis, body weight, and energy intake in healthy adults, in doses similar to real life consumption.
Method : A 12 week, randomized controlled, open label, parallel arm trial, including 28 healthy participants with average age of 25 ± 5 years and BMI of 21.2 ± 1.7 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned to stevia group (5 drops of commercially available stevia drops twice daily) or control group.
Study outcome:
Primary outcome – Change in PP glucose and insulin response before and after intervention (At week 0 & 12 respectively)
Secondary outcome – Changes in body weight and energy intake
Results
The study reported no significant difference in the glucose or insulin responses. Stevia group had a significant main effect on the body weight, as they were able to maintain their body weight compared to control group (mean weight change at week 12: −0.22 kg, 95%CI [−0.96, 0.51] stevia group, +0.89 kg, 95%CI [0.16, 1.63] control group). Also, the energy intake had significantly decreased in the stevia (p=0.003) group compared to the control.
Conclusion
The daily consumption of stevia does not effect glycemia in healthy individuals, but could aid in weight maintenance and moderation of energy intake.
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