Concerns about stevia’s link to infertility are based on misinformation. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. It contains steviol glycosides that are much sweeter than sucrose. Despite claims that certain tribes in Paraguay used stevia tea as a contraceptive, research shows that stevia does not promote infertility.
Controversial studies in 1968 and 1988 reported that stevia reduced fertility in rats, but these studies have been criticized for their methodology and lack of reproducible results. The U.S. FDA has not approved whole stevia leaves or crude extracts as food additives due to these studies, but certain stevia glycosides are considered safe.
Research has shown that stevia does not have negative reproductive effects. Studies on hamsters and mice found no growth or fertility issues with stevia consumption. In fact, recent research suggests that stevia may have protective effects on fertility and reproduction, improving testosterone levels and sperm quality in male rats.
Overall, stevia is considered safe and does not pose a threat to fertility or reproduction.