Is Stevia (natural calorie free sweetner) safe to use while breastfeeding?
Stevia Also known as: Azucacaa, Capim Doce, Erva Doce, Kaa Jhee, Stevia eupatorium, Stevia rebaudiana, Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf, Yerba Dulce Stevia has been used in managing diabetes, particularly in South Africa, Japan, and elsewhere. It is not FDA approved in the United States. Stevia is a very sweet herb used as a sugar substitute. Stevia contains several chemicals that may cause blood vessels regulation, presumably by altering the effects of calcium or potassium channels lining blood vessels. As such, changes in blood flow and blood pressure could result, which could have undesirable facts on a placenta or for a child breast feeding. Also, there is concern in large doses Stevia could cause kidney damage. The effects on unknown for both newborns and developing infants. There are apparently no human studies at this time. Overall, it is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Sources: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/PrintablePages/herbMonograph/0,11475,552027,00.html http://chppm-www.
