Carrageenan is a much-discussed ingredient, especially among the modern health-conscious community.

With GI issues on the rise coupled with the decline in the quality of your food, it’s unsurprising ingredients such as this are getting a performance review.

But what exactly is carrageenan?

To help you make more informed health decisions, here are five facts you should know.

WHAT EXACTLY IS CARRAGEENAN & CAN IT AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?

1. IT MAY TRIGGER INFLAMMATION

Despite carrageenan’s natural origins from Irish moss, it’s linked to increased levels of inflammation in the body, which can lead to, or exacerbate, a number of digestive issues, including food allergies and irritable bowel syndrome. It may also aggravate symptoms of existing inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and tendonitis.

2. IT’S MOSTLY FOUND IN PLANT-BASED FOODS

Gelatin, which is derived from animal sources, is often included in food items as a thickener and emulsifier. In plant-based products, gelatin is replaced with carrageenan, since it replicates similar properties to gelatin.

Common carrageenan foods include yogurt, ice-cream, nut milks, creamers, deli meats, soups, and even infant formula.

Be on the lookout for hidden sources. Carrageenan may be present in the final product but not listed as an ingredient. For example, when it is used as a “processing aid” the manufacturer isn’t required to include it on the ingredients label. Also, carrageen can be used to clarify beer and unfortunately, ingredients are not required to be listed on alcoholic beverages.

Find out how you can avoid these hidden sources below.

3. IT’S NOT ORGANIC

Despite its controversy, carrageenan is approved for use by the FDA however, since 2016, it’s no longer permitted on food products that carry the USDA Organic label.

If you choose to buy only organic, carrageenan will not be on the ingredient list.

4. IT’S FOUND IN MANY NON-FOOD ITEMS

Toothpaste, moisturizers, shampoo, air fresheners, and even pet food are likely to contain carrageenan. Like food, if you want to avoid it, be sure to read the labels carefully or opt for an organic brand.

5. THERE’S MORE THAN ONE TYPE

Undegraded and degraded – it’s important to understand if you’re researching the topic further. “Degraded carrageenan” or poligeenan is commonly used in drug trials to induce inflammation and other diseases in lab animals. However, poligeenan is not approved for food products. While it may seem easy to avoid poligeenan (since it’s not permitted in food), there are concerns the separation process may promote contamination between the two types.

CONCLUSION

If you’re concerned about carrageenan in the food you eat or healthcare products you use, the takeaway message here is to check the label and keep an eye out for hidden sources.

Alternatively, you can opt to purchase organic, which guarantees carrageenan won’t be in the item.

Whether or not there is a true connection between carrageenan and inflammation, the burden of safety should always be on the manufacturer. Unfortunately, it’s becoming more common for this responsibility to fall to consumers, especially with modern ingredients like this, which lack conclusive research.

As a precautionary measure, especially if you or your client has experience with inflammation, omit carrageenan for 4 weeks, noting how you feel and if symptoms improve. Since it contains no nutritional value, you could even remove it indefinitely until there is more definitive evidence surrounding the safety.

In the meantime, there are many carrageenan-free options to choose from, just be sure to check the label and watch out for hidden sources!

If you suffer from GI issues, you might find this article helpful too: Is Your Favorite Food Making You Sick?