Everything You Need to Know about Carrageenan...

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Medically reviewed by Jamie Johnson, RDNMedically reviewed by Jamie Johnson, RDNCarrageenan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (plant-derived carbohydrate) extracted from various species of red seaweed. It's commonly used as a food additive to thicken and emulsify (combine into a smooth mixture) processed foods such as no- or low-fat salad dressings, processed meats, and dairy products such as ice cream and cottage cheese.Carrageenan is also used therapeutically in certain medications, including nasal sprays and antitumor medications. While carrageenan has many uses in food and medicine, it has no nutritional value.Types of CarrageenanThere are multiple types of carrageenan, which vary depending on their molecular weight. The three main types are kappa, iota, and lambda carrageenan.A degraded form of carrageenan called poligeenan is not available as a food additive because of safety concerns.Kappa CarrageenanKappa carrageenan typically comes as a strong, rigid gel formed with potassium or calcium salts. It is frequently added to dairy products such as milk to prevent fat and protein separation and to cottage cheese to prevent separation of the whey (the watery part of milk that remains after being curdled). Kappa carrageenan is also used in some meat products, such as smoked sausages, to reduce the fat content.Iota CarrageenanIota carrageenan is a clear, elastic gel mainly formed with calcium salts, though it can also be made with potassium salts. It is a component of foods like salad dressings, sorbets, and fruit jellies. In meats, iota-carrageenan can be mixed with ground beef to provide moisture and a fat-like texture.Lambda CarrageenanUnlike kappa and iota carrageenans, lambda carrageenan does not come in gel form. Its thicker formula is ideal for adding body and improving the mouthfeel of foods. For example, lambda carrageenan is used in some whipped creams to maintain lightness or in some dry instant coffee mixes to improve mouthfeel.PoligeenanPoligeenan is a degraded form of carrageenan that has some safety concerns. While there is not enough human study data, animal studies have linked poligeenan to lesions in the colon (large intestine), bleeding, and abnormal tissue masses. Because of its safety concerns, poligeenan is not used as a food additive. It is mainly used in some types of medical imaging procedures, such as contrast materials used in mouth and throat X-rays.Potential Benefits of CarrageenanWhile carrageenan is not a nutrient, research shows it may offer some potential benefits for overall health.May Prevent COVID-19Research has shown that nasal sprays containing iota-carrageenan could provide significant protection against COVID-19 in healthcare workers in close contact with people who have COVID-19.Some study limitations were noted, such as a short duration of testing and potential underreporting of COVID-19 infections that showed no symptoms. The results are promising, but further study is needed.May Reduce Symptoms of the Common ColdNasal sprays containing iota-carrageenan have shown promise in improving common cold symptoms, but results are mixed. A small study in people with early cold symptoms found that a saline solution of iota-carrageenan nasal spray reduced total cold symptoms better than plain saline spray.However, another clinical trial involving more participants used the same methods but found no differences between the placebo (an inactive substance with no therapeutic benefit) and treatment groups.Other studies on iota-carrageenan and the common cold also show conflicting results. Some showed symptom reduction, while others showed no clear difference between iota-carrageenan nasal spray and plain saline nasal spray. Further study is needed.May Have Antitumor PropertiesCarbohydrates called oligosaccharides (COS) in carrageenan have been studied for their potential antitumor effects due to their ability to improve immune function. While more study is needed, COS may have the potential to help treat cancer when used to improve the body's immune response in chemotherapy.Carrageenan has also shown potential as both an antitumor agent and a possible component of a preventive or therapeutic cancer vaccine.However, high consumption of carrageenan has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in other research. More studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of carrageenan for cancer treatments and its potential role in cancer development.May Lower Blood Cholesterol LevelsLimited research in humans has found that carrageenan-rich foods may reduce total blood cholesterol and blood lipid (fat) levels. More studies are needed on larger populations, but the findings are promising, as having lower total blood cholesterol levels is associated with a reduced risk of heart attack.How Much Do You Need?Carrageenan has no nutritional value, so there is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Daily Value (DV). The estimated intake of carrageenan from processed foods in the diet generally ranges from 0-140 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) daily, depending on how much processed food you consume.To avoid symptom flare-ups or a possible medical interaction, limit or avoid foods containing carrageenan if you have a bleeding disorder or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If you have any of these conditions, speak to your healthcare provider before consuming carrageenan.Good Sources of CarrageenanWhile carrageenan occurs naturally in red seaweed, it is commonly used as a food additive in processed foods and beverages. You can find carrageenan as an ingredient in foods like:Processed meats (e.g., deli meats, canned meats)Dairy products like milk, cottage cheese, and ice creamJams, jellies, candied fruitsFrosting and icingSauces like salad dressings, mayonnaise, and graviesSoupsIt is also used as a vegan alternative to gelatin.While carrageenan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), limiting the consumption of processed foods and incorporating whole foods into your daily meals as much as possible is recommended.Potential Risks and Side EffectsCarrageenan is generally safe to consume, but take caution if you have particular health conditions or take certain medications.Multiple studies have linked carrageenan to symptom flare-ups in IBD, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).One clinical study found that carrageenan was associated with the recurrence of symptoms among people with ulcerative colitis who were in remission (a reduction or disappearance of symptoms). More study is needed, but limit or avoid carrageenan if you have UC or another type of inflammatory bowel disease.There are generally no side effects from carrageenan in food or nasal spray. Still, some side effects (such as itching and burning) have been reported when carrageenan gel was applied topically (to the skin) in some clinical studies on sexual health.InteractionsCarrageenan may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, herbs, and supplements that reduce the risk of blood clots. Taking anticoagulants or antiplatelets and consuming lots of carrageenan-rich foods or beverages might increase your risk of bleeding. Always speak to your healthcare provider about any potential interactions.Also, avoid consuming large amounts of carrageenan for at least two weeks before surgical procedures, as carrageenan may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.A Quick ReviewCarrageenan is a naturally occurring substance derived from various species of red seaweed. It's commonly used in food additives to thicken and emulsify foods.Carrageenan has no nutritional value, but when used as a nasal spray, it may help improve symptoms of the common cold and protect against COVID-19. Some studies support potential antitumor benefits and blood cholesterol-lowering effects, but further study is needed.While carrageenan is generally safe to consume, there are some medical interactions and possible side effects. Speak to a healthcare provider before consuming carrageenan if you have inflammatory bowel disease or a bleeding disorder or if you take drugs that help reduce blood clots. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.

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