Stevia Considered by FDA

The Food and Drug Administration is considering the use of a sweetener called Stevia for products and beverages in the US. But one consumer group says it's not, yet, proven safe.

Local 12 Medical Reporter Liz Bonis explains why in today's Health Alert.

Stevia is a sweetener that comes from a plant. It has no calories or carbohydrate and has been used in other countries for years. So, some say it should be available here. Stevia is a South American shrub whose leaves have been used for centuries by people in Brazil and Paraguay.

But the Center for Science in the Public Interest say it's not yet safe and wants more research to be considered, and here's why. They have concerns about reproductive health. In lab experiments, it's been shown that this sweetener may alter the male organs or reproductive system. They also have concerns it may alter DNA, lead to cell multiplication and raise the risk for cancer.

Finally, there's also some concern that Stevia may play a role in changing energy metabolism. Altering absorption of carbohydrate could make a difference, especially for children. In all likelihood, this would be used in certain products and you could select whether or not you want to take in those products, but for now, at least, it appears, for some, the jury is still out.