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Health & Exercise
Stevia during pregnancy
I am calling my doctor in the morning to ask him about stevia due to confusion after finding somewhat conflicting information online. Pregnancy.org states that Stevia in moderation is considered safe during pregnancy by the FDA. Then webmd.com states that not enough is known about stevia use during pregnancy and it's best to avoid use.
The reason I'm wondering if Stevia is safe is because I just found a whey protein powder that is sweetened with stevia that I would like to incorporate into my diet, but I'm now hesitant.
More or less what I'm looking for is what your experience. Anyone ever talk to their doctor about stevia consumption during pregnancy? I will update this thread with what my doctor says, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with it. TIA!
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Re: Stevia during pregnancy
Stevia is all natural and derived from a leaf. As far as I am concerned, anything natural is fine. I am a nutritionist and stevia is a GREAT alternative to procesed sugar and I wish stevia was used all the time in place of it. The only reason why a book would tell you to avoid it is because they havent done technical studies on it yet. Dont sweat it at all.
Thank you for your response! After talking to my doc this morning he said the same thing. He said no one is going to conduct a study on it any time soon - but it is a safe alternative to sugar in moderation. I don't plan on consuming it every day - but I like the idea of it better than an artificial sweetener. I was so excited when I found a protein shake that was sweetened with stevia!
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Although I am not a nutritionist, I would have to disagree with the statement that any natural foods are safe. Unpasteurized milk products and green tea are natural, but they are not recommended during pregnancy. Hell, arsenic can come from almonds naturally, and I wouldn't ingest that at any time! OP, talk to your doctor if you are worried about it.
Personally, I don't feel comfortable using it during pregnancy. I *think* it's considered a supplement and thus is pretty unregulated. Also, although I do use protein powder when not pregnant, again I do not feel comfortable doing so now-- not sure if you remember but awhile back there was some hoopla about contaminants like trace minerals being found in some protein powders. Again, they are a 'supplement' and not closely monitored or regulated.
I have to strongly disagree with the natural = safe comment, too. PLENTY of completely natural herbs are absolutely not safe during pregnancy.
Sorry to add to the natural=safe debate, but Marijuana is a leaf... so is coca leaf from which cocaine is derived... Hmmm.. see the point?
My philosophy is this- IF YOU HAVE DOUBT- do not use during pregnancy!
that goes for pretty much anything- food, products, etc...