Actually there have been several animal studies of stevia that do raise concerns.
Several studies have found reproductive and mutagenic effects in lab animals. Offspring of hamsters fed large amounts of stevia had fewer and smaller offspring, and in male rats stevia reduced sperm production and the size of seminal vesicles (which would tend to reduce fertility).
I've also read that there is some indication that large amounts of stevia, may be linked to kidney or liver damage in humans (but this is not conclusive, just a preliminary study or investigation).
One thing to consider is that unlike "unnatural" products, no research is required before advocating and marketing herbal products (whether or not, it's ever been used historically by humans - if you find a weed in your garden, you can probably not only sell it legally, but you can also imply that it does almost anything - as long as you add a disclaimer that you are not advocating using the herb to treat or cure any illness). Also, stevia has been used as an herbal supplement for years, but never in the quantities that modern Americans tend to use sweeteners. Even water is harmful in excess.
Also, I believe the FDA IS reviewing it, and have been quoted as saying that research has been "promising" but not yet sufficient for FDA approval.
The main reason that very few herbals are approved by the FDA, is not so much a corporate conspiracy as it is that there is little monetary incentive for researchers to study stevia or other herbals because they cannot be patented. No research, no ruling.
Last edited by kaplods; 07-16-2008 at 12:12 PM.
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