Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Nutrition Research Center, Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2
Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3
Nutrition Association Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
Stevia is a sweet calorie-free plant used in food industry as a sweetener in beverages and foods. Lots of studies have been done on its efficacy, including its effects on weight, blood glucose, lipid profile, inflammation, etc. Recently, this plant has attracted diabetics, due to its low calorie sweetness. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with an increasing prevalence, that the government and patients spend a great deal of money
on treatment each year. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of stevia supplementation in diabetic patients. Studies have shown that only a few studies have been conducted on diabetic patients, while many animal studies are available. Our review of these studies showed that stevia is a safe herb for diabetics and may have therapeutic effects, if used at a pharmacological dose, although more detailed studies are needed.
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