Updated on - 02 Feb 2026
Stevia has found its way into kitchens, cafes and packaged food as more people look for healthier alternatives to sugar. It is often used in coffee, desserts and even soft drinks because it provides sweetness without the calories. But like any other ingredient we add to our food, it is worth knowing how our body reacts to stevia and what the ideal daily intake is.
Before making it a part of your daily diet, it is important to know what stevia really is, how it works and what its side effects may be in certain cases. This blog explores these points, so that you can make a well-informed decision if you are thinking of adding stevia or already have added it to your daily diet.
What is Stevia?
Stevia comes from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Leaves contain a natural sweet compound known as steviol glycosides, which can taste up to 50-300 times sweeter than sugar. Although the plant has always been in use traditionally in several parts of the world, the stevia we get today has been processed and purified before being sold as tablets, in liquid form or as powder.
Regulatory authorities such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and similar bodies across the world allow stevia extract to be of strict purity levels. These approved extracts are generally considered safe for daily consumption when taken in moderation.
What are the Side Effects of Stevia?
Stevia is used for its health benefits, including managing blood sugar levels. However, there are some stevia side effects that users should be aware of. These are:
1. Digestive Problems
One of the most common complaints related to the side effects of stevia is digestive discomfort. Some people experience bloating, gas or a mild upset stomach after consuming stevia. This reaction is often linked to sugar alcohols like erythritol that are sometimes added to stevia-based sweeteners. These effects are usually mild and temporary, but they can be bothersome for some individuals.
2. Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to stevia, especially those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Symptoms of allergy can include skin rashes, swelling, itching or breathing difficulties in severe cases. If you notice any of these signs after consuming stevia, stop using it and consult a healthcare professional.
3. Blood Pressure
Stevia has a blood pressure-lowering effect, which may benefit some people. It helps relax blood vessels and may contribute to better heart health. However, those with low blood pressure who consume large amounts of stevia might become dizzy, fatigued or feel lightheaded. Monitoring and discussing your intake with a doctor can help prevent unwanted complications, particularly if you have cardiovascular concerns.
4. Drug Interference
Stevia can interact with certain medications, especially those related to diabetes or high blood pressure. Since stevia may lower blood sugar levels, it can enhance the impact of diabetes medications, possibly leading to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Similarly, its blood pressure-lowering properties could amplify the effects of antihypertensive drugs, causing blood pressure to drop too much. If you are taking prescription medication, check with your doctor before adding stevia to your diet.
How Much Stevia is Safe to Consume Daily?
Most international food safety authorities follow an acceptable daily intake (ADI) level of 4 milligrams of steviol equivalents per kilogram of body weight per day. This roughly means: a person weighing 60 kgs can consume 240 milligrams of steviol equivalents daily. This amount varies based on the form one is consuming stevia, since the concentration of steviol varies in each form.
In order to ensure that you are consuming a safe amount of stevia, it is recommended to follow these tips:
- Always check the serving size on the label.
- Prefer stevia products approved by FSSAI or a similar authority.
- Avoid taking multiple stevia-based products at the same time, eg, consuming stevia cola with stevia sweet drops to avoid mixing unmonitored concentrations of steviol that may cross the safe daily intake limit.
- If you notice digestive discomfort, switch the brand or reduce the quantity.
- Use stevia as a primary replacement for sugar and not as a taste enhancer to sweeten everything.
Additionally, consider having a medical insurance policy in place to ensure that you are covered in case of any emergency hospitalisation, consultations or treatment. If you are new to the world of insurance, it is always helpful to seek expert advice. Simply fill out the form at the end of this page, and our experts can answer your queries.
Who Should Avoid Stevia?
Stevia is safe for most people, but certain individuals should exercise caution. People with low blood pressure may be affected by concentrated forms of stevia, and those taking diabetes medication should consult a doctor, as regular use could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low when combined with their medication.
Some stevia products contain sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive issues such as bloating or diarrhoea in individuals who are sensitive to them. Additionally, anyone allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family, including ragweed, marigold or chrysanthemum, may rarely experience mild reactions to stevia.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also be cautious, as research on long-term consumption and medicinal use during pregnancy is limited, making moderation or medical consultation advisable.
Conclusion
Stevia, while generally safe for most of us, can cause side effects for some people. That is why it is essential to keep an eye on how your body reacts, keep the amounts within safe daily intake limits and incorporate stevia as a part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Maintaining dietary awareness is important, but so is planning for your overall health needs. A senior citizen health insurance plan can provide financial security and peace of mind for elderly family members, while other health insurance options, such as individual or family plans, can cover medical needs for adults and children, ensuring comprehensive protection for your household.
FAQs
1. Is stevia safe to be used every day?
Approved purified extract of stevia is generally considered safe for daily consumption. However, people with digestive issues or diabetes should monitor how their body reacts to stevia.
3. Does stevia affect blood sugar levels?
Stevia alone does not affect blood sugar levels, but when combined with diabetes medication, it may cause blood sugar to drop too low. It is advisable to consult a doctor and monitor for any side effects.
4. Can children consume stevia safely?
Stevia is usually safe for children, but they can easily consume more than intended through multiple sugar-free products. Monitoring and moderation are important.
5. Will medical insurance cover treatment for an allergic reaction to stevia?
Yes, a comprehensive health insurance may cover consultation, treatment and hospitalisation. However, it is best to read the policy carefully and consult the insurance provider.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.