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The Effects of Stevia Consumption on Gut Bacteria Friend or Foe?
Abstract and Figures
Stevia, a zero-calorie sugar substitute, is recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In vitro and in vivo studies showed that stevia has antiglycemic action and antioxidant effects in adipose tissue and the vascular wall, reduces blood pressure levels and hepatic steatosis, stabilizes the atherosclerotic plaque, and ameliorates liver and kidney damage. The metabolism of steviol glycosides is dependent upon gut microbiota, which breaks down glycosides into steviol that can be absorbed by the host. In this review, we elucidated the effects of stevia’s consumption on the host’s gut microbiota. Due to the lack of randomized clinical trials in humans, we included in vitro using certain microbial strains and in vivo in laboratory animal studies. Results indicated that stevia consumption has a potential benefit on the microbiome’s alpha diversity. Alterations in the colonic microenvironment may depend on the amount and frequency of stevia intake, as well as on the simultaneous consumption of other dietary components. The anti-inflammatory properties of stevioside were confirmed in vitro by decreasing TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 synthesis and inhibiting of NF-κB transcription factor, and in vivo by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK in laboratory animals.
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... Stevia has demonstrated its capacity to regulate blood glucose levels by augmenting insulin secretion and utilization in insulinde icient animals [6]. In vitro and in vivo investigations have further indicated that stevia exhibits antiglycemic action and may potentially confer bene its to the host's gut microbiota [9]. Moreover, a modest-scale study exploring the impact of stevia on food intake, satiety, and blood glucose levels found no signi icant differences in energy intake at lunch between water, sugar, and stevia preloads [10]. ...
... Undertaking randomized clinical trials in human populations to delve deeper into the effects of Stevia on glycemic control, weight management, and its enduring in luence on health [9,8]. ...
... Further exploring the repercussions of Stevia consumption on the host's gut microbiota, including potential bene its on the microbiome's alpha diversity and the alterations in the colonic microenvironment resulting from Stevia intake [9]. ...
Stevia is a natural sweetener that has gained attention as a potential sugar substitute for glycemic control and weight management. Extensive research has shown that high sugar consumption is linked to obesity, dental caries, and other health issues. Stevia, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, offers sweetness without calories and has a favorable glycemic profile. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in regulating blood glucose levels and reducing overall sugar and caloric intake. Consumer attitudes suggest a positive reception of Stevia as a sugar substitute among health-conscious individuals. However, further research is needed to understand its long-term effects and consumer sentiments. Future investigations should prioritize human clinical trials, targeted studies in diabetic populations, and exploration of Stevia’s interaction with gut microbiota, among other aspects. Stevia shows promise as a health-conscious alternative in glycemic control and weight management.
... This suggests that steviol glycosides and erythritol may affect host health by changing the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Specifically, steviol glycosides are considered a safe, zero-calorie sugar substitute, with potential benefits for the host's gut microbiome, including an increase in microbial α-diversity [7] . However, another study indicated that 12 weeks of continuous steviol glycoside consumption did not alter the composition of the human gut microbiota [8] . ...
... However, another study indicated that 12 weeks of continuous steviol glycoside consumption did not alter the composition of the human gut microbiota [8] . This may imply that the impact of steviol glycosides on the gut microbiome is dependent on factors such as dosage, frequency of intake, and interactions with other dietary components [7] . Erythritol, a polyol found in nature, is also produced industrially through glucose fermentation. ...
The impact of sweetener intake on the gut microbiota is a topic of increasing interest, given the rising global consumption of both naturally occurring and artificially produced sweeteners as alternatives to traditional sugars. This review seeks to explain how various sweeteners, both natural and artificial, affect the composition and function of gut microbiota. Sweeteners are categorized into natural sources, such as stevia and honey, and those synthesized artificially, including aspartame and sucralose. Natural sweeteners, known for their potential health benefits and minimal side effects, have the potential to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Conversely, artificial sweeteners have been associated with dysbiosis, potentially resulting in a higher prevalence of harmful bacteria. The research highlights the inconsistency in the effects of artificial sweeteners, which may be influenced by factors such as type, dosage, and individual variability. Despite the existing evidence, the long-term consequences of sweetener consumption on gut health remain unclear, underscoring the need for more comprehensive, well-designed clinical trials. Future research should also aim to develop advanced methodologies for assessing gut microbiota health and explore personalized interventions to address the differential responses to sweeteners.
... On other natural sweeteners (glycyrrhizin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, thaumatin, and monellin), there are a few or no data [32], and further efforts are required to elucidate their role on gut microbiota, if positive or negative. In this context, there is the research by Kasti et al. [33], who reviewed the most important articles dealing with this topic and found possible beneficial effects on Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, and the suppression of Escherichia coli, Clostridiales, and Staphylococcus aureus. ...
The gut microbiota plays a key role in health and disease, but it could be affected by various factors (diet, lifestyle, environment, genetics, etc.). Focusing on diet, while the role of the different styles and choices (Mediterranean vs. Western diet, vegan or vegetarian diets) has been extensively studied, there are a few comprehensive papers on the effects of additives and food processing. Therefore, the main goal of this manuscript is to propose an overview of the link between ultra-processed foods and the gut microbiota based on papers and data available in the literature. The literature search was performed on PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov, and after the selection of the most relevant articles, the paper proposes a synopsis of the effects of some classes of additives (sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, glutamate, etc.), as well as of some treatments, on the gut microbiota and some pathological conditions.
... NF-κB, a critical transcription factor, plays an important role in regulating key physiological processes such as inflammation, immune response, and apoptosis [20][21][22]. In PE, the activation level of NF-κB is closely associated with the onset and progression of this disease [23,24]. ...
Background
Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy complication characterized by complex molecular interactions. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Methods
This study applies a pharmacometabolomics approach to explore the roles of miR-155 and PKG1 in PE, focusing on the regulatory influence of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Blood metabolomic profiles were analyzed, and bioinformatics tools, IHC staining, Western blot (WB) analysis, and immunofluorescence (IF) localization were employed to determine the expression and function of miR-155 and PKG1. Cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis assays were conducted to assess miR-155’s modulation of PKG1. Additionally, RT-qPCR and WB analysis elucidated NF-κB-mediated regulation mechanisms.
Results
Our findings indicate significant metabolic alterations associated with miR-155 modulation of PKG1, with NF-κB acting as a critical upstream regulator. The study demonstrates that miR-155 affects cellular functions such as invasion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis through PKG1 modulation. Furthermore, the NF-κB signaling pathway regulates miR-155 expression, contributing to the pathological processes of PE.
Conclusion
This study provides a proof of concept for using pharmacometabolomics to understand the molecular mechanisms of PE, suggesting new therapeutic targets and advancing personalized medicine approaches. These insights highlight the potential of pharmacometabolomics to complement genomic and transcriptional data in disease characterization and treatment strategies, offering new avenues for therapeutic intervention in PE.
... Mice/E. coli [102] Sodium Aescinate ...
Hemorrhoid disease is a common anorectal disorder affecting populations worldwide, with high prevalence, treatment difficulties, and considerable treatment costs. Compared to other treatment options, medical therapy for hemorrhoids offers minimal harm, more dignity to patients, and is more economical. Unfortunately, there are few chemical hemorrhoid medications available clinically, which makes the search for efficacious, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly new medication classes a focal point of research. In this context, searching for available natural products to improve hemorrhoids exhibits tremendous potential. These products are derived from nature, predominantly from plants, with a minor portion coming from animals, fungi, and algae. They have excellent coagulation pathway regulation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and tissue regeneration activities. Therefore, we take the view that they are a class of potential hemorrhoid drugs, prevention products, and medication add-on ingredients. This article first reviews the factors contributing to the development of hemorrhoids, types, primary symptoms, and the mechanisms of natural products for hemorrhoids. Building on this foundation, we screened natural products with potential hemorrhoid improvement activity, including polyphenols and flavonoids, terpenes, polysaccharides, and other types.
... Авторы пришли к выводу, что модификация кишечного микробиома после употребления ИП и могла стать причиной изменений углеводного обмена [35]. Натуральные высокоинтенсивные подсластители, например, гликозиды стевиола не гидролизуются ферментами (α-амилаза, пепсин и др.) желудочно-кишечного тракта, в неизменном виде попадают в толстый кишечник, где расщепляются кишечными бактериями рода Bacteroides до стевиола, который поступает в печень подвергается глюкуронированию и выводится из организма [36]. В исследованиях было продемонстрировано положительное влияние экстракта стевии на микробиоту кишечника, в виде стимулирования роста бифидо-и лактобактерий in vitro, а также снижение роста E. coli у мышей [37,38]. ...
The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes continues to grow, which determines the need to develop new methods of prevention in order to reduce the population risks of developing these diseases. The current direction is to limit the consumption of easily digestible carbohydrates and use low-calorie or non-calorie sweeteners instead. Currently, there is an increase in the use of non-calorie sweeteners in the manufacture of food. In this regard, the study of their possible effects on metabolic processes is of great importance.
This review presents studies that have shown different effects of non-calorie sweeteners on carbohydrate and fat metabolism, body weight, the composition of intestinal microbiota, as well as the regulation of eating behavior. Some studies show that low-calorie sugar substitutes can be used in obese people as part of a comprehensive weight loss program, as well as in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with the aim of reducing postprandial hyperglycemia. Other studies demonstrate the negative effect of a number of low-calorie sweeteners on carbohydrate metabolism.
The main search for materials was carried out in Pubmed databases, eLIBRARY.ru, Google Scholar. Temporary search criteria 2012–2023 The relevant additional literature was included after a manual search in the literature lists of the included articles.
Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to an increased risk of kidney failure, prompting research into alternative sweeteners. This literature study investigates the potential of Stevia leaves (Stevia rebaudiana) as a sugar substitute in reducing the risk of kidney failure. A comprehensive review of studies published between 2013 and 2023 was conducted using databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The analysis revealed that high sugar intake, particularly from sweetened beverages, is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener, demonstrated promising results in weight management and glycemic control, both crucial factors in kidney health. Several studies reported improvements in kidney function markers, including serum creatinine and microalbumin levels, in CKD patients supplemented with Stevia. Additionally, Stevia's antioxidant properties may protect kidney tissues from oxidative stress. While the findings suggest Stevia's potential as a beneficial sugar substitute for kidney health, limitations in current research, including short study durations and unclear mechanisms of action, highlight the need for more comprehensive, long-term studies. This review concludes that Stevia shows promise as a tool in the prevention and management of kidney diseases, but further research is needed to fully understand its role and optimize its use in dietary interventions for kidney health.
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a perennial shrub from Paraguay that is nowadays widely cultivated, since it is increasingly being utilized as a sugar substitute in various foodstuffs due to its sweetness and minimal caloric content. These properties of the plant’s derivatives have spurred research on their biological activities revealing a multitude of benefits to human health, including antidiabetic, anticariogenic, antioxidant, hypotensive, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor actions. To our knowledge, no recent reviews have surveyed and reported published work solely on the latter. Consequently, our main objective was to present a concise, literature-based review of the biological actions of stevia derivatives in various tumor types, as studied in in vitro and in vivo models of the disease. With global cancer estimates suggesting a 47% increase in cancer cases by 2040 compared to 2020, the data reviewed in this article should provide a better insight into Stevia rebaudiana and its products as a means of cancer prevention and therapy within the context of a healthy diet.
To identify possible mechanisms by which maternal consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners increases obesity risk in offspring, we reconstructed the major alterations in the cecal microbiome of 3-week-old offspring of obese dams consuming high fat/sucrose (HFS) diet with or without aspartame (5–7 mg/kg/day) or stevia (2–3 mg/kg/day) by shotgun metagenomic sequencing (n = 36). High throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing (n = 105) was performed for dams, 3- and 18-week-old offspring. Maternal consumption of sweeteners altered cecal microbial composition and metabolism of propionate/lactate in their offspring. Offspring daily body weight gain, liver weight and body fat were positively correlated to the relative abundance of key microbes and enzymes involved in succinate/propionate production while negatively correlated to that of lactose degradation and lactate production. The altered propionate/lactate production in the cecum of weanlings from aspartame and stevia consuming dams implicates an altered ratio of dietary carbohydrate digestion, mainly lactose, in the small intestine vs. microbial fermentation in the large intestine. The reconstructed microbiome alterations could explain increased offspring body weight and body fat. This study demonstrates that intense sweet tastants have a lasting and intergenerational effect on gut microbiota, microbial metabolites and host health.
Background: There is increasing evidence that gut microbiota in offspring is derived in part from maternal environment such as diet. Thus, sweeteners intake including caloric or non-caloric during perinatal period can induce gut dysbiosis and program the offspring to develop cognitive problems later in life.
Objective: To determine the effect of maternal high-sweeteners intake during gestation and lactation on gut microbiota shifts in adult male offspring rats and the impact on cognitive dysfunction.
Methods: Thirty-four male pups from dams fed standard diet (Control-C, n = 10), high-sucrose diet (HS-C, n = 11), high-honey diet (Ho-C, n = 8), and high-stevia diet (HSt-C, n = 5) were fed standard diet after weaning, and body weight and food intake were recorded once a week for 26 weeks. Learning and memory tests were performed at week 23 of life using the Barnes maze. Fecal samples from the breastfeeding and adulthood periods were collected and analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region of gut microbiota.
Results: Maternal high-sucrose and stevia diets programmed the male offspring, and changes in microbial diversity by Shannon index were observed after weaning ( p < 0.01). Furthermore, maternal high-stevia diet programming lasted into adulthood. The increase of Firmicutes abundance and the decrease in phylum Bacteroidetes were significant in HS-C and HSt-C groups. This led to an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes index, although only in HS-C group was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Of note, the downstream gram-negative Bacteroidales and the upregulation of the gram-positive Clostridiales abundance contribute to cognitive dysfunction.
Conclusion: These results suggest that dams fed a high-sucrose and stevia diets during gestation and lactation favor a deficient memory performance in adult male offspring rats through shifts gut microbiota diversity and relative abundance at several taxa.
Stevia rebaudiana is a South American plant, the cultivation of which is increasing worldwide due to its high content of sweet compounds. Stevia sweetness is mainly due to steviol glycosides, that are ~250-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Many studies have suggested the benefits of Stevia extract over sugar and artificial sweeteners, but it is still not a very popular sugar substitute. This review summarizes current data on the biological activities of S. rebaudiana extract and its individual glycosides, including anti-hypertensive, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects and improvement of kidney function. Possible side effects and toxicity of Stevia extract are also discussed. © 2021, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors. All rights reserved.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of different supplementation levels of stevia residues in high-fiber diets on the fecal microorganisms of pregnant sows. Forty-eight first-farrowing Danish Landrace sows with similar weight, age, and due date were randomly divided into four groups. The control group was fed a normal diet (CON; 3.15% crude fiber content), and the treatment groups were supplemented with 20% stevia residue (SRL), 30% stevia residue (SRM), or 40% stevia residue (SRH) stevia residue, with crude fiber content of 7.79%, 9.15%, and 10.68%, respectively. The test period was 135 days, and Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing was used to test the fecal bacteria of the pregnant sows on day 56. Compared to the control group, species diversity was greater in the 30% stevia residue group. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Spirochaetes had the greatest relative abundances; Firmicutes was most abundant in the SRM group, and Spirochaetes was most abundant in the CON group. At the genus level, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, and Treponema_2 had the highest relative abundances in the stevia-residue treatments. Among them, Lactobacillus and Treponema_2 were more abundant in SRL, Streptococcus was more abundant in SRH, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group was more abundant in SRM. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed that the bacterial species differed among the stevia residue treatments. SRL mainly included g__Lactobacillus and g__Romboutsi, SRM mainly included g__Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group and g__Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, SRH mainly included g__Streptococcus, and CON mainly included g__Treponema_2, f__Clostridiaceae_1, g__norank_f__Muribaculaceae, and g__norank_f__p_251_o5. Stevia-residue supplementation significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as g__Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, g__Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and g__Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 (p < 0.05), and significantly reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Treponema_2 (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared with the control group, the stevia-residues treatment groups reduced the feed cost 8.33%, 12.50%, and 13.33% per sow per day, respectively. In conclusion, high-fiber diets can improve the intestinal balance and evenness index of the intestinal flora in pregnant sows, promote the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, reduce the relative abundance of harmful bacteria, and reduce feed cost. The optimal supplementation level of the stevia residue was found to be 30%.
Governments are creating regulations for consumers to reduce their sugar intake, prompting companies to increase the ratio of artificial sweeteners in their products. However, there is evidence of some deleterious effects ascribed to the aforementioned synthetic agents and therefore consumers and food manufacturers have turned their attention to natural dietary sweeteners, such as stevia, to meet their sweetening needs. Stevia is generally considered safe; however, emerging scientific evidence has implicated the agent in gut microbial imbalance. In general, regulation of microbial behavior is known to depend highly on signaling molecules via quorum sensing (QS) pathways. This is also true for the gut microbial community. We, therefore, evaluated the possible role of these stevia-based natural sweeteners on this bacterial communication pathway. The use of a commercial stevia herbal supplement resulted in an inhibitory effect on bacterial communication, with no observable bactericidal effect. Purified stevia extracts, including stevioside, rebaudioside A (Reb A), and steviol revealed a molecular interaction, and possible interruption of Gram-negative bacterial communication, via either the LasR or RhlR receptor. Our in-silico analyses suggest a competitive-type inhibitory role for steviol, while Reb A and stevioside are likely to inhibit LasR-mediated QS in a non-competitive manner. These results suggest the need for further safety studies on the agents.
Objectives
Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) is a perennial herb native to South America. Its sweetness (∼200–400 times sweeter than sucrose) results from steviol glycosides, particularly stevioside and rebaudioside A. Steviol glycosides are hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in steviol, which is incompletely absorbed in the colon. In the liver, steviol is converted into its glucuronide derivative and renally excreted. While the use of stevia leaves and crude extracts is still prohibited in the US, steviol glycosides have been ‘generally recognized as safe’ (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008. We aimed to determine whether steviol glycosides and glucuronidation products can be found in biosamples collected as early as 2004.
Methods
In 38 adults, steviol glycosides and glucuronide were analyzed in plasma and in corresponding cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSF); additional 2 persons had only CSF tested. Prenatal exposure was determined in biosamples from 28 individuals (13 amniotic fluid, 15 cord blood). We used ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) utilizing a Thermo Scientific Vanquish UPLC and a Thermo Scientific Altis triple quadruple mass spectrometer with heated electrospray ionization (HESI-II, Thermo Scientific) in negative ion mode (2500 V).
Results
Seven of 38 adults (18%) had detectable steviol glucuronide concentrations (5 in plasma only, 2 in both plasma and CSF). Maximal concentrations in plasma were 805.4 ng/mL and in CSF 3.3 ng/mL. Two of 13 amniotic fluid samples were positive for steviol glucuronide (max. conc. 93.5 ng/mL) and 1 of 15 cord blood samples contained a trace. In contrast to steviol glucuronide, steviol glycoside could not be measured.
Conclusions
Steviol glucuronide was found in all types of biosamples (plasma, CSF, amniotic fluid and cord blood), most commonly in plasma (18%). This indicates that exposure to steviol metabolites starts in prenatal life and that these metabolites cross various barriers (e.g., blood-CSF, blood-amniotic fluid). Only samples obtained in and after 2008 were positive for steviol glucuronide, which coincides with the FDA approval. Potential health consequences of exposure to stevia metabolites require further study.
Funding Sources
N/A.
Background and Objectives: Prostate cancer is the second most harmful disease in men worldwide and the number of cases is increasing. Therefore, new natural agents with anticancer potential should be examined and the response of existing therapeutic drugs must be enhanced. Stevia pilosa and Stevia eupatoria are two species that have been widely used in traditional medicine, but their effectiveness on cancer cells and their interaction with antineoplastic drugs have not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer activity of Stevia pilosa methanolic root extract (SPME) and Stevia eupatoria methanolic root extract (SEME) and their effect, combined with enzalutamide, on prostate cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a human fibroblast cell line, and on androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and androgen-independent (PC-3) prostate cancer cell lines. The cell viability was evaluated using a Trypan Blue exclusion test for 48 h, and the migration by a wound-healing assay for 24, 48, and 72 h. Results: The results indicate that SPME and SEME were not cytotoxic at concentrations less than 1000 μg/mL in the human fibroblasts. SPME and SEME significantly reduced the viability and migration of prostate cancer cells in all concentrations evaluated. The antiproliferative effect of the Stevia extracts was higher in cancer cells than in normal cells. The enzalutamide decreased the cell viability in all concentrations tested (10–50 µM). The combination of the Stevia extracts and enzalutamide produced a greater effect on the inhibition of the proliferation and migration of cancer cells than the Stevia extracts alone, but not of the enzalutamide alone. Conclusion: The results indicate that SPME and SEME have an inhibitory effect on the viability and migration of prostate cancer cells and do not interfere with the enzalutamide anticancer effect. The data suggest that Stevia extracts may be a potential source of molecules for cancer treatment.
Objective
We examined the impact of maternal low-dose aspartame and stevia consumption on adiposity, glucose tolerance, gut microbiota and mesolimbic pathway in obese dams and their offspring.
Design
Following obesity induction, female Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated during pregnancy and lactation to: (1) high fat/sucrose diet (HFS) +water (obese-WTR); (2) HFS +aspartame (obese-APM; 5–7 mg/kg/day); (3) HFS +stevia (obese-STV; 2–3 mg/kg/day). Offspring were weaned onto control diet and water and followed until 18 weeks. Gut microbiota and metabolic outcomes were measured in dams and offspring. Cecal matter from offspring at weaning was used for faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) into germ-free (GF) mice.
Results
Maternal APM and STV intake with a HFS diet increased body fat in offspring at weaning and body weight long-term with APM. Maternal APM/HFS consumption impaired glucose tolerance in male offspring at age 8 weeks and both APM and STV altered faecal microbiota in dams and offspring. Maternal obesity/HFS diet affected offspring adiposity and glucose tolerance more so than maternal LCS consumption at age 12 and 18 weeks. APM and STV altered expression of genes in the mesolimbic reward system that may promote consumption of a palatable diet. GF mice receiving an FMT from obese-APM and obese-STV offspring had greater weight gain and body fat and impaired glucose tolerance compared with obese-WTR.
Conclusion
Maternal low-calorie sweetener consumption alongside HFS may disrupt weight regulation, glucose control and gut microbiota in dams and their offspring most notably in early life despite no direct low-calorie sweetener consumption by offspring.
Artificial sweeteners have been shown to induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota; however, little is known about the effect of stevia. Here, we investigate whether stevia supplementation induces glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota in mice, hypothesizing that stevia would correct high fat diet-induced glucose intolerance and alter the gut microbiota. Mice were split into four treatment groups: low fat, high fat, high fat + saccharin, or high fat + stevia. After 10 weeks of treatment, mice consuming a high fat diet (60% kcal from fat) developed glucose intolerance and gained more weight than mice consuming a low fat diet. Stevia supplementation did not impact body weight or glucose intolerance. Differences in species richness and relative abundances of several phyla were observed in low fat groups compared to high fat, stevia, and saccharin. We identified two operational taxonomic groups that contributed to differences in beta-diversity between the stevia and saccharin groups: Lactococcus and Akkermansia in females and Lactococcus in males. Our results demonstrate stevia does not rescue high fat diet-induced changes in glucose tolerance or the microbiota, and that stevia results in similar alterations to the gut microbiota as saccharin when administered in concordance with a high fat diet.