Eat Right Ontario
Stevia is a sweetener that is growing
in popularity. Like many people, you may
have questions about stevia. What is
stevia? Is it safe to use? Read on to find
answers to these questions.
Stevia comes from the leaves of the
stevia plant. Stevia is 200-300 times
sweeter than sugar and has no cal ories.
Stevia has a slightly bitter taste so it is
often combined with sugar or other
sweeteners like sugar alcohols and
fructose in food.
Stevia is sold as a liquid or powder
tabletop sweetener in many grocery
stores, speciality food stores and
pharmacies. Stevia is also added to certain
foods and drinks like snacks, yogurt,
cereals and drinks.
There are two types of stevia: purified
stevia extract and unrefined stevia
extracts, leaves and powders.
Purified stevia extract
Purified stevia extract (or stevia
glycoside) is approved and regulated by
Health Canada as a food additive
(sweetener). This type of stevia is
considered safe for children over 2 and
adults, including pregnant and
breastfeeding women, within the Acceptable
Daily Intake guidelines. This limit is set to
4mg/kg body weight per day.
The amount of stevia that a person may
consume in a day is typically well below
what is considered safe.
What is stevia? Is it safe to use? What do you need to know?
For more information about stevia and other sweeteners,
visit Eat Right Ontario
Unrefined stevia extracts, leaves and
powders
These products are not regulated by
Health Canada because they are considered
food ingredients, not additives. However,
Health Canada has approved the use of
stevia extracts, leaves and powders in some
Natural Health Products (NHPs) as a
medicinal and non-medicinal ingredient.
Natural Health Products (NHPs) that
contain stevia extracts, leaves or powders as
a medicinal ingredient in amounts higher
than the Acceptable Daily Intake may be
unsafe for some people. Always talk to your
doctor, dietitian or healthcare provider
about any NHPs that you are taking or
thinking about taking.
Stevia is one of many sweeteners
approved in Canada. If you use stevia or
consume food and drinks that contain
stevia, enjoy them in moderation along with
other healthy foods. Before using Natural
Health Products, speak to your health care
professional.
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June 2017 - The HUB 7