Agave Nectar Side Effects

Agave nectar, also known as agave syrup, is a sweetener derived from the agave plant. Because it has a light taste, you can substitute agave nectar for sugar in a recipe when you don't want the stronger flavor of honey or maple syrup. Agave nectar has similar calories as sugar, but it's sweeter, so you can use less and cut calories. Agave nectar tends to have unusually high amounts of fructose, according to LivingFoods.com.

Blood Sugar Spikes

At least two companies have marketed their agave nectar as a suitable alternative sweetener for diabetics, according to an article published in the October 27, 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal. Agave nectar supposedly has a low glycemic index, meaning it does not cause the rapid spikes in blood glucose that sugar does. The Glycemic Research Institute, however, has issued a warning that diabetics experienced dangerous blood glucose side effects during testing of an agave nectar, and were taken to a hospital.

Insulin Resistance

As a high-fructose substance, agave nectar may contribute to the development of diabetes, as noted by LivingFoods.com. Fructose decreases the sensitivity of insulin receptors that allow glucose to leave the bloodstream and enter cells to create energy. The body then must produce more insulin to process the same amount of glucose. This is known as insulin resistance.

Pregnancy Considerations

A review by the American Botanical Council in 2006 of scientific literature concluded that agave use is safe in the amounts typically included in foods and beverages, as explained by physician Andrew Weil. The reviewers noted that pregnant women should not consume agave because some species contain steroids with contraceptive effects. This could result in miscarriage.