COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF NATURAL SUGAR AND STEVIA ON THE BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS, BLOOD PROFILE, MDA, AND BODY WEIGHT OF RABBITS FROM NEW ZEALAND

This study compared the metabolic effects of stevia versus natural sugar in New Zealand White rabbits (n=30) over 30 days. Animals were divided into control, natural sugar (5% solution), and stevia (5 mg/kg/day) groups, with comprehensive metabolic profiling conducted at days 0, 15, and 30. The natural sugar group developed significant metabolic alterations, including elevated glucose (186.5 ± 5.2 vs. 112.0 ± 5.2 mg/dL in stevia, (p < 0.0001), uric acid (4.54 ± 0.05 vs. 2.53 ± 0.05 mg/dL), creatinine (1.81 ± 0.03 vs. 0.65 ± 0.03 mg/dL), and oxidative stress markers (78% increase in MDA levels). In contrast, the stevia group maintained metabolic parameters comparable to controls, showing no adverse effects on glucose homeostasis, lipid profiles, or oxidative stress markers. Natural sugar consumption also led to pronounced dyslipidemia (total cholesterol: 118.6 ± 2.59 vs. 61.1 ± 2.59 mg/dL in stevia) and greater weight gain (3.37 ± 0.42 vs. 2.84 ± 0.42 kg), while stevia demonstrated only moderate weight effects without metabolic disruption. Hematological analysis revealed no significant differences between groups. These findings indicate that stevia, unlike natural sugar, does not induce metabolic dysfunction and may serve as a healthier alternative sweetener. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these protective effects