Stevia

[tummyache]

I noticed Stevia is on the "not tolerated" list. Why is that? What sugars are in it besides glucose that would be bad for HFI? From what I can tell it looks like it should be OK.

[charlie]

As it is harvested from plant leaves I bet there is fructose in it. I sent an email enquiry to the main website about it, I'll let you know if I hear back. It is extremely sweet so may be too sweet for most tastes.

[charlie]

I got this reply to my query, impressive how quick they were.

There is no fructose in Sweetleaf Stevia packets or liquid.
www.healthyshopping.com/sweetleaf

However, some stevia products add some sugar. You need to check the labels.

Looking through that website it seems that the sugar involved is glycosides which when googled in wikipedia gives a good explanation of them, must say never heard of them. But yes, based on the glucose molecule so by rights pure forms should be safe. However the sweet taste it has may cause an HFI natural defence to kick into action.

Not sure something I would try Meg on, she goes ga ga enough on glucose!!!!!!!!

[tummyache]

Thanks Charlie. I may try Stevia sometime, just to see what it is like. My diabetic friend uses it which got me to thinking it might be OK for HFI folks. Then, surprised to see it on Dr. Tolan's list of no-no's. I am wondering if Stevia would work in the Crockpot Yogurt recipe I posted to kick-start the bacterial process - I know it needs sugar or a starch to work it's magic. Hum...bet glucose might work even better. Haven't had a chance to try making it yet, but want to experiment.

[ukbill]

There is plenty of sugars in milk.. 4% Lactose in Cows milk so not needed in any "natural milk" no matter what aniimal its from.

Coconut milk might already have enough sugar in it.. tho mostly Fructose the bacteria just might convert it into something far safer, which would be nice!

I have found some tinned Coconut milk in the UK, which claims to be Sugar free.. I do not seem to react to it so if there is some Fructose, it is in small amounts..

I use it in making sticky rice to go with a curry.. YUM!

I think it would do as well to make safe sushi rice for HFI people.

Might try it one day.

[ukbill]

I think the problem might be with the testing here.

Steva being harvested from plant leaves is very likely to contain some Fructose in it.

The fact that the "Analysis" shows no sugar or fructose is not proof that there is none there.

It only means they did not detect any, which is NOT the same thing!

I have seen all sorts of foods labeled as sugar free but which contain significant amounts of Fructose!

I can take anyone to any supermarket and show them proof that the labeling is as near to useless as it is to being dangerous to those of us with HFI..

Why do people think I keep banging on about NOT eating anything sweet tasting for HFI'ers..

Our ONLY real defense is our taste buds, we HAVE to avoid all sweet tastes and giving sweet tasting foods particularly to a potentially HFI child is just wrong.

The solution is simple if you are HFI or potentially HFI then simply keep off ALL sweet flavours until such time as it can be proved one way or another.