Stevia is extracted from the plant leaves called Stevia Rebaudiana
Bertoni. Stevia reb-A, an extract of Stevia, was granted the status of
GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) as a non caloric sweetener by the
FDA in 2008. In repeat studies, it has been evaluated as safe for
chronic consumption in doses as high as 1000mg per day [1-3]. To put
that in perspective, you would need to consume over 20,000 servings
per day of Flow Formulas’ Electrolyte Replacement Mix to equal one
dose given daily to the individuals in those studies. Although the
research shows no allergic reactions to stevia, it is in the daisy
family which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds.
[1]
1. Ulbricht, C., Isaac, R., Milkin, T., Poole, E. A., Rusie, E., Grimes
Serrano, J. M., Weissner, W., Windsor, R. C., & Woods, J. (2010). An
evidence-based systematic review of stevia by the Natural Standard
Research Collaboration. Cardiovascular & hematological agents in
medicinal chemistry, 8(2), 113–127.
2. Maki, K. C., Curry, L. L., Reeves, M. S., Toth, P. D., McKenney, J.
M., Farmer, M. V., Schwartz, S. L., Lubin, B. C., Boileau, A. C.,
Dicklin, M. R., Carakostas, M. C., & Tarka, S. M. (2008). Chronic
consumption of rebaudioside A, a steviol glycoside, in men and women
with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published
for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 46 Suppl 7, S47–S53.
3. Carakostas, M. C., Curry, L. L., Boileau, A. C., & Brusick, D.
J. (2008). Overview: the history, technical function and safety of
rebaudioside A, a naturally occurring steviol glycoside, for use in
food and beverages. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published
for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 46 Suppl 7, S1–S10.