Steviol glycosides are used as non-calorie sweeteners in Maaza. Does it cause early puberty or infertility as posts in social media suggests? Here's what research says.
Published Sep 23, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 23, 2024 | 9:11 AM
Representative image of Maaza
While buying a ₹10 Maaza packet or 125 ml Maaza, people will find this written on the back of the packet – “THIS CONTAINS STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES.”
While Steviol glycosides are being used as non-calorie sweeteners, messages being spread on social media say it could lead to early puberty for girls and infertility for men.
Steviol glycosides are natural sweeteners, derived from the leaves of the South American plant Stevia Rebaudiana and responsible for the sweet taste and commonly used in various food products as a sugar substitute.
Steviol glycosides can be 30 to 320 times sweeter than sucrose, depending on its type. The most common steviol glycosides include stevioside and rebaudioside A, with rebaudioside A being particularly noted for its high sweetness and lower bitterness when compared to other glycosides.
Steviol glycosides do not induce a glycemic response when consumed, as humans cannot metabolise them into glucose. This makes them suitable for people managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes.
Several studies indicate that SGs may help lower fasting blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a non-significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose levels when comparing SGs to placebo, suggesting that while there may be benefits, they are not consistently significant across studies.
The same meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure among participants consuming SGs compared to those on a placebo, with a mean difference of approximately -6.32 mm Hg[1]. This effect suggests that SGs could play a role in managing hypertension. The impact of SGs on lipid metabolism is less clear. While some studies reported non-significant changes in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, further research is needed to clarify these effects.
Evidence indicates that SGs do not exhibit carcinogenic properties in humans, making them a safe alternative to artificial sweeteners.
Steviol glycosides, while generally considered safe and beneficial as natural sweeteners, may have potential negative impact.
Endocrine disruption potential: Steviol glycosides possess a molecular structure similar to steroids, which raises concerns about their potential to interfere with hormone production. Some studies suggest that they may act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), potentially affecting hormone signaling pathways in the body.
Effects on reproductive health: A study indicated that exposure to steviol could increase progesterone production in human sperm cells. While this finding suggests a possible influence on reproductive hormones, further research is necessary to establish any definitive effects on fertility or reproductive health in humans.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or diarrhea, when consuming steviol glycosides, especially in large amounts. These side effects are often associated with the body’s response to certain sugar alcohols and glycosides.
Lack of long-term studies: While short-term studies have shown steviol glycosides to be safe at recommended doses, there is a lack of comprehensive long-term studies assessing their effects on human health over extended periods.
There is no clear evidence that steviol glycosides cause early puberty or infertility in humans. The available research suggests steviol glycosides are generally well-tolerated and safe for consumption.
Puberty onset: One study in rats found that steviol glycosides did not impact the timing of puberty onset when administered via drinking water at 2.5 percent (w/v) for 4 months. Vaginal opening, a marker of puberty, was not affected.
Fertility and reproductive effects: The available evidence from animal studies and human trials does not indicate that steviol glycosides have adverse effects on fertility or reproduction at typical sweetener use levels.
Long-term studies in rats consuming steviol glycosides did not find impacts on reproductive organs or fertility parameters. A two-year carcinogenicity study in rats found no treatment-related effects on reproductive organs at doses up to 2,500 mg/kg bw/day steviol glycosides.
Human studies administering steviol glycosides for 6-12 weeks at doses up to 1,000 mg/day did not report any adverse effects on reproductive hormones.
(Edited by Neena)
