Last verified: 17 days ago
Rebaudioside A
Also known as: Reb A, RebA, steviol glycoside, stevia extract, E960
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Natural stevia-derived sweetener. Safe sugar substitute that doesn't spike blood sugar or cause weight gain.
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What it does
Rebaudioside A (Reb A) is a natural sweetener extracted from the stevia plant, roughly 200–400 times sweeter than sugar. It is broken down by gut bacteria into steviol and steviol glucuronide...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
What the Science Says
Rebaudioside A (Reb A) is a natural sweetener extracted from the stevia plant, roughly 200–400 times sweeter than sugar. It is broken down by gut bacteria into steviol and steviol glucuronide before being absorbed. In a 12-week clinical trial, consuming Reb A-sweetened beverages did not cause weight gain, unlike sucrose, making it a useful calorie-free alternative to sugar.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes — a clinical trial found no effect on glucose, insulin, or C-peptide. Won't help you lose weight on its own. No proven benefit for cancer treatment in humans — lab studies only. Not a proven appetite suppressant when consumed normally.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Does not cause weight gain when used as a sugar replacement over 12 weeks.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: Beverage-level doses (~1.25–1.75 L/day)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Does not lower plaque pH or promote tooth decay, unlike sucrose.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 10% solution rinse
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 3 g single dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — Reb A is absorbed within 1 hour of ingestion, but most of it is converted by gut bacteria to steviol and steviol glucuronide. Steviol glucuronide peaks around 12–19 hours post-dose and is excreted primarily in urine (~59–62% of dose).
Red Flags to Watch For
- Animal studies suggest Reb A may alter hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone) and ovarian structure — human reproductive safety data is limited
- Reb A activates bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) at higher concentrations, which may cause off-tastes in some products
- Gut microbiome effects are unclear — early research suggests it may influence bacterial quorum sensing, but long-term human data is lacking
- Degradation products formed under acidic conditions are classified as moderately toxic in silico — product stability and storage matter
Products Containing Rebaudioside A
See how Rebaudioside A is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rebaudioside A do?
Natural stevia-derived sweetener. Safe sugar substitute that doesn't spike blood sugar or cause weight gain.
What is the effective dose of Rebaudioside A?
No established dose
Is Rebaudioside A safe?
Animal studies suggest Reb A may alter hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone) and ovarian structure — human reproductive safety data is limited
What doesn't Rebaudioside A do?
Won't lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes — a clinical trial found no effect on glucose, insulin, or C-peptide.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25