Evidence supporting the use of: Steviol glycoside
For the health condition: Sugar Cravings
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Steviol glycosides, the sweet compounds extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, are primarily used as non-nutritive sweeteners. Their use to support or reduce sugar cravings is supported by some scientific evidence, though not overwhelmingly so. The rationale is that steviol glycosides provide a sweet taste without raising blood glucose levels or adding calories, which may help individuals satisfy their desire for sweetness while reducing overall sugar intake.
Several studies have investigated the effects of stevia and its glycosides on appetite and cravings. Some findings suggest that replacing sugar with non-caloric sweeteners like stevia can reduce daily sugar consumption and may help with weight management. A few small clinical trials indicate that stevia does not increase appetite or food intake compared to sugar, and may help decrease post-meal glucose and insulin responses. However, the direct effect of steviol glycosides on curbing sugar cravings specifically is less well-studied; most evidence comes from indirect outcomes, such as reduced caloric intake when stevia is substituted for sugar.
Overall, while there is some scientific support for using steviol glycosides to help manage sugar cravings by offering a sweet alternative, the evidence is moderate and primarily focused on substitution rather than direct craving reduction. More research is needed to clarify their specific effects on sugar craving mechanisms.
Other ingredients used for Sugar Cravings
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)cassia bark
chicory
chromium
fenugreek
glucomannan
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
l-tryptophan
magnesium
monkfruit
relora® (proprietary)
stevia
sugar alcohol
zinc
kidney beans
1-deoxynojirimycin
aspartame
Apple Cider Vinegar
Berberis (unspecified)
Bitter principals
Carob
D-Pinitol
Erythritol
Vinegar