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Published on: March 24, 2020
Steviol glycoside safety: is the genotoxicity database sufficient?
J D Urban1, M C Carakostas, D J Brusick
1ToxStrategies, Inc., 9390 Research Blvd., Suite 250, Austin, TX 78717, United States. jurban@toxstrategies.com
Summary
Steviol glycoside sweeteners like stevioside are safe and not genotoxic, according to a robust review of scientific data. Extensive research confirms their safety for consumers.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Toxicology
- Natural Product Safety Assessment
Background:
- Steviol glycoside sweeteners, including stevioside and rebaudioside A, are widely used globally.
- Regulatory bodies and expert panels have consistently affirmed their non-genotoxic status.
- Recent publications have raised concerns about potential mutagenicity based on limited studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate specific genotoxicity studies raising concerns about steviol glycosides.
- To assess the adequacy of the existing genotoxicity data, including recent findings.
- To determine the necessity of further in vivo genotoxicity studies for steviol glycosides.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies on steviol glycosides.
- Analysis of select studies cited in recent publications expressing mutagenicity concerns.
- Evaluation of the overall genotoxicity database, incorporating recent data.
- Review of long-term rodent bioassays for neoplastic development.
Main Results:
- The existing body of evidence, comprising both in vitro and in vivo studies, is robust.
- The data does not indicate genotoxic potential for stevioside or rebaudioside A.
- No evidence of neoplasm development was found in rat bioassays for steviol glycosides.
Conclusions:
- The current comprehensive database confirms that steviol glycosides are not genotoxic.
- The safety of all steviol glycosides regarding genotoxic and carcinogenic potential is established.
- Further in vivo genotoxicity studies are not warranted given the robust existing data.
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