Natural and low‐caloric rebaudioside A as a substitute for dietary sugars: A comprehensive review

Abstract

For health and safety concerns, traditional high-calorie sweeteners and artificial sweeteners are gradually replaced in food industries by natural and low-calorie sweeteners. As a natural and high-quality sugar substitute, steviol glycosides (SvGls) are continually scrutinized regarding their safety and application. Recently, the cultivation of organic stevia has been increasing in many parts of Europe and Asia, and it is obvious that there is a vast market for sugar substitutes in the future. Rebaudioside A, the main component of SvGls, is gradually accepted by consumers due to its safe, zero calories, clear, and sweet taste with no significant undesirable characteristics. Hence, it can be used in various foods or dietary supplements as a sweetener. In addition, rebaudioside A has been demonstrated to have many physiological functions, such as antihypertension, anti-diabetes, and anticaries. But so far, there are few comprehensive reviews of rebaudioside A. In this review article, we discuss the physicochemical properties, metabolic process, safety, regulatory, health benefits, and biosynthetic pathway of rebaudioside A and summarize the modification methods and state-of-the-art production and purification techniques of rebaudioside A. Furthermore, the current problems hindering the future production and application of rebaudioside A are analyzed, and suggestions are provided.

Valorization of Food Waste as Animal Feed: A Step towards Sustainable Food Waste Management and Circular Bioeconomy

“…Responses in terms of animal weight increase and/or feed use efficiency vary based on the animal species and physiological stage, as well as the length of the feeding trial, the type of FW, and the substitution rate [ 125 ]. A number of studies found no difference when comparing diets with substitution with diets without substitution [ 126 , 127 , 128 ]. On the other hand, other studies found that diets with substitution caused poultry [ 129 ] and pigs [ 130 ] to gain less weight.…”

Recent Advances in the Biosynthesis of Natural Sugar Substitutes in Yeast

“…Unlike pure enzyme reactions or whole-cell reaction systems, microbial cell factories are limited in the case of SG production because of the rate-limiting steps involving CYP450s; the accumulation of intermediate metabolites leads to cytotoxicity or growing pressure, as well as the imbalance of the metabolic network [ 3 , 79 ]. Recently, a study used an engineered S. cerevisiae strain to produce 1368.6 mg/L and 132.7 mg/L of rubusoside and rebaudiosides (Reb A, Reb D, and Reb M), respectively, from glucose in 15 L bioreactors [ 11 ].…”

Effect of steviol glycosides as natural sweeteners on glucose metabolism in adult participants

“…14 The main components of SGs are stevioside, followed by rebaudioside A (Reb A) and Reb C. 14,15 Due to their high sweetness with low-calorie value and no safety concerns, SGs are increasingly used as food additives to help control the consumption of sugar. 16 Nevertheless, whether SGs have a beneficial impact on glucose metabolism in adults remains unclear. While some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showed promising effects of SGs on reducing blood glucose levels, 17,18 others did not reveal significant effects.…”

“…14 The main components of SGs are stevioside, followed by rebaudioside A (Reb A) and Reb C. 14,15 Due to their high sweetness with low-calorie value and no safety concerns, SGs are increasingly used as food additives to help control the consumption of sugar. 16…”