Stevia

Stevia contains steviol glycosides (stevioside, rebaudioside A) — 200-400x sweeter than sugar with zero calories. GRAS status for Reb A (high purity). Unlike other sweeteners: stevioside has BENEFICIAL pharmacological effects — reduces BP by 7/4 mmHg (PDE3 inhibition in vascular smooth muscle) and improves insulin sensitivity. Gut microbiome: stevia is metabolized to steviol by gut bacteria — appears neutral to beneficial for microbiome (unlike sucralose which disrupts). Bitter aftertaste from stevioside (Reb A has less bitterness). Reb M and Reb D (newer glycosides) have the cleanest taste. --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*