A recent study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, delved into the impact of stevia on the gut microbiome, revealing promising findings. Over four weeks, participants consumed a beverage sweetened with 25% of the acceptable daily intake of stevia or an equivalent amount of sucrose, followed by a four-week washout period. The study, which tracked the gut microbiome of 59 participants, found that stevia was well tolerated and had no significant effects on gut microflora or short-chain fatty acid production.
In the midst of ongoing discussions surrounding the safety and potential weight loss benefits of sweeteners, particularly synthetic options, Alyssa Leyva of Cargill sheds light on the company’s focus on exploring the health benefits of stevia. With years of research confirming its safety, Cargill has turned its attention to investigating stevia’s effects on appetite, food intake, and blood glucose levels.
Results from the study indicated that stevia-sweetened beverages did not impact blood glucose levels, unlike caloric-sweetened alternatives such as sucrose, glucose, and maltodextrin. Furthermore, participants reported reduced hunger before meals and consumed fewer calories following the consumption of stevia-sweetened beverages compared to water or other sweetened options.
For Cargill, sustainability is a key priority in their stevia products. Leyva highlights the company’s commitment to traceability and environmental responsibility in their leaf-based sweeteners. Cargill’s latest fermentation-based sweetener, EverSweet, not only offers sustainability but also recently received a positive opinion from EFSA for approval in the EU in 2024. Through comprehensive life cycle analyses and adherence to rigorous environmental standards, Cargill aims to meet the sustainability demands of its customers while delivering innovative and eco-conscious solutions.
Source: https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(24)00110-X/fulltext