Stevia. Does it interfere with sleep?

[DummyGladHands]

Just started drinking a soda with stevia rather than aspartame. 1 at about 5pm.

Have had trouble sleeping the last 2 nites. Anyone else notice this?

[Washoe]

That would be the ricin.

[DummyGladHands]

I beg your pardon? Please elaborate.

[Telemark]

WebMD doesn’t mention insomnia as a side effect - http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-682-stevia.aspx?activeIngredientId=682&activeIngredientName=stevia

There are many sites that list insomnia as a side effect, but some also say it causes brain tumors and bad hair, so that doesn’t prove much.

LiveStrong mentions anecdotal accounts of insomnia, but again, that’s not really data: Negative Side Effects of Maltitol | Healthfully

Potential Side Effects
The most common side effect of erythritol, one of the main components of Truvia, is digestive problems. In many individuals, consuming erythritol causes a laxative effect because the chemical compounds in the sweetener are not completely absorbed into the digestive system. In 2008, the Public Health and Medical Fraud Research Cooperative performed an extensive study that showed erythritol caused calcium and potassium loss through the urine that could damage kidney function over time. Nutritionist Sarah Vaughter, founder of Vaughter Wellness, compiled a database of personal accounts of Truvia reactions, which included bad breath, a metallic taste in the mouth, headaches, lethargy and even insomnia.

[SeaDragonTattoo]

Any chance it’s a higher caffeine content than you’re used to, rather than the stevia?

[DummyGladHands]

Thinking perhaps, caffeine is listed as an ingredient, but not as a percentage, but hard to think it’s more than Diet Coke.

[Rhiannon8404]

What brand of stevia soda are you drinking?

I switches to Zevia, which uses stevia and erythritol, and I haven’t noticed a difference.

[susan]

I use stevia and have never noticed this, whether it was commercially prepared or I grew it myself.

[Washoe]

@DummyGladHands

I beg your pardon? Please elaborate.

Sorry, pop culture reference. Wasn’t serious.

[twickster]

Moved Cafe Society to IMHO.

[Lanzy]

Bad taste in your mouth might interfere.

[BigT]

@DummyGladHands

Thinking perhaps, caffeine is listed as an ingredient, but not as a percentage, but hard to think it’s more than Diet Coke.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the formula were a bit different, though. Stevia does not taste the same as other sweeteners, not even remotely. It’s not just bitter, it has an actual taste to it.