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Carrageenan is a safe food additive or a health hazard
Table of Contents
1. What exactly is carrageenan?
Depending on its chemical structure and the conditions under which it is used, carrageenan can take a variety of forms, from gels to solutions (JECFA 2014). Chemically, it is a collection of galactomannans compounds made from galactose units and 3,6-anhydrolactose combined with glycosidic bonds. Carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide derived from red seaweed, especially from Chondrus, Gigartine, and Eucheum species.2. The pharmaceutical industry
Pacheco-Quito, R. Veiga 2020). It is used in pharmaceutical products such as: capsules and tablets (used in the manufacture of capsule shields, helps to swallow easily and stabilizes the contents), ointments and creams, syrups and medicines in liquid form (provides an appropriate consistency) (E.M. Ruiz-Caro, M.D. As a substance with a high stiffness, carrageenan is perfectly suited to formulations that must have a certain consistencies and at the same time be easy to apply.3. The cosmetics industry
López-Hortas et al. 2021). It is used in: shampoos and hair nutrients (helps to stabilize the emulsion), toothpaste (denseens and facilitates application) moisturizers and creams, body care products, e.g. in balms, deodorants or shower irons (L. Due to its ability to retain water, carrageenan is a valued ingredient in formulations that are used to rejuvenate and regenerate the skin.4. The health effects of carrageenan
The currently established daily intake limit (ADI) for carrageenan is 75 mg per kilogram of body weight. However, further research is recommended to better understand the potential long-term effects of carrageen on the body (Y. Most food safety authorities, including the European Food Safety Authority, do not consider this substance to be a health hazard in such quantities. Maged et al. 2018).5. It affects the digestive system
In people with a sensitive digestive system, carrageenan can also cause inflammation of the gut and, in greater quantities, lead to inflammatory conditions of the intestinal mucosa (Commissioner et al. 2024). Liu et al., 2021). High intake of this substance has been linked to digestible problems such as bloating, abdominal pain, gas, or feeling full. Some studies also suggest that carrageena may exacerbate symptoms of intestinal inflammation such as Leśnio-Crohn's disease or inflammatories of the large intestine (P. Choć).6. Potential carcinogenic effects
Further, more detailed studies, including those in humans, have shown that carrageenan in acceptable amounts in foodstuffs does not pose a carcinogenic risk (B. Carrageenan initially generated controversy due to concerns about its potential carcinogens, which were observed in animal studies. Kulczyński 2023).7. This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union
In rare cases, anaphylactic-like reactions may occur, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, usually in people with congenital hypersensitivity (H. Dean, V. Foods used in food are safe for most consumers, but people with a history of allergies, especially to seafood, should exercise caution and consult a doctor for symptoms.8. Subject to the provisions of this Regulation, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed
Removing carrageenan from the diet in the study models resulted in a decrease in galactin-3 levels and improved glucose metabolism (J. Bhattacharyya, L. However, further research is still needed to confirm these observations and their clinical significance.9. Position of the public health authorities on carrageenan
The public health authorities' positions on carrageenan are varied and depend on risk analyses and available scientific data.10. This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union
EFSA has identified gaps in toxicological and technical data on carrageenan safety in some applications, in particular for younger children. The Joint Committee of Experts on Carrageenan has found supplement E407 to be safe for use in food for most population groups. For this reason, a call for new data to be reported was announced in 2018 to update previous safety assessments (EFSA 2018).11. The Food and Drug Administration
The organization emphasizes that the current data does not indicate the need for this substance to be withdrawn from the market, but does not ignore the controversy surrounding its potential health effects (FDA 2024). Nevertheless, there have been concerns in the scientific literature about potential side effects, such as inflammatory bowel conditions, which the FDA continues to monitor.
