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Steviol Glycoside: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Steviol Glycoside is a plant-derived, non-nutritive, high-intensity sweetener used as a sugar substitute in foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical or dietary products.

Forms:Oral Powder

About Steviol Glycoside

Indications of Steviol Glycoside

Steviol Glycoside is a plant-derived, non-nutritive, high-intensity sweetener used as a sugar substitute in foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical or dietary products.

Established / Recognized Uses

  • Sugar substitute: Widely used by individuals wishing to reduce dietary sugar or caloric intake, including recreational use in tea, coffee, and prepared foods.
  • Adjunct in diabetes management: Commonly used by people with diabetes mellitus as a low/zero-glycaemic-impact alternative to sugar; it does not itself treat diabetes and must be used alongside, not instead of, prescribed antidiabetic therapy and blood glucose monitoring.
  • Weight and calorie management: Used as part of calorie-controlled diets and by individuals managing obesity, as it is essentially non-caloric at typical intake levels.

Not an Established Medical Use

Steviol Glycoside is not indicated as a stand-alone treatment for any disease, including diabetes mellitus or obesity; it is a food/dietary adjunct, not a therapeutic agent.

Dosage & Administration of Steviol Glycoside

Steviol Glycoside is intended for use as a sweetening agent added to food or beverages, or taken as a tablet/sachet/drop in place of sugar, according to the taste and needs of the user.

Recommended Intake

PopulationGuidance
AdultsUse as needed to replace sugar; total intake of steviol glycosides (as steviol equivalents) from all dietary sources should not exceed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 4 mg/kg body weight/day.
ChildrenMay be used within the same ADI (4 mg/kg body weight/day as steviol equivalents); follow product-specific paediatric guidance and a physician's or dietitian's advice, especially in children with diabetes.

Follow the specific strength and directions on the product label, as concentration varies between tablets, sachets, drops, and powdered forms of Steviol Glycoside.

Side Effects of Steviol Glycoside

Steviol Glycoside is generally well tolerated within the Acceptable Daily Intake. Reported effects include:

  • A bitter or liquorice-like aftertaste in some individuals, particularly with less-refined extracts.
  • Mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, or nausea, more often with excessive intake or with whole-leaf/crude extracts rather than purified Steviol Glycoside.
  • Rare hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, itching) in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae/Compositae plants — see Contraindications.

Contraindications of Steviol Glycoside

Steviol Glycoside is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to stevia or to other plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (e.g., ragweed, marigolds, daisies, chrysanthemums), due to the possibility of cross-reactive allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Steviol Glycoside

What is Steviol Glycoside used for?

Steviol Glycoside is a natural, plant-derived sweetener used as a low-calorie substitute for sugar in foods, beverages, and dietary products, especially by people with diabetes or those reducing sugar/calorie intake.

Is Steviol Glycoside safe for people with diabetes?

Yes, Steviol Glycoside has minimal effect on blood glucose and is commonly used by people with diabetes. However, it does not replace prescribed antidiabetic medication or routine blood glucose monitoring, which should be continued as advised by a physician.

Can Steviol Glycoside be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Purified Steviol Glycoside used within normal dietary limits is generally considered acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but whole-leaf or crude stevia extracts are less well studied and should be avoided without medical advice. Always consult a physician before regular use during pregnancy or lactation.

Who should avoid Steviol Glycoside?

People with a known allergy to stevia or to related Asteraceae/Compositae family plants (such as ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums) should avoid Steviol Glycoside due to the risk of cross-reactive allergic reactions.

Are there any side effects of Steviol Glycoside?

Steviol Glycoside is generally well tolerated. Some people notice a bitter or liquorice-like aftertaste, and excessive intake or use of crude extracts may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating or nausea. Rare allergic reactions can occur in sensitive individuals.

How much Steviol Glycoside is safe to consume in a day?

Health authorities have set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 4 mg/kg body weight/day (as steviol equivalents) for Steviol Glycoside from all combined dietary sources. Consuming within this limit is considered safe for most people, including children.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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