Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: New Report on Carrageenan

There are different expert opinions on carrageena. Here is more background information. While some individuals may show a sensitivity it isn't considered a general concern. However, as with all food additives there are always concerned groups who oppose their use. Even Dr. Weil says it is okay to eat from time to time but should be avoided by individuals with IBD (note - not IBS)

Carrageenan is made from complex carbohydrates extracted from red seaweed - an algae. It is a soluble fiber.

There are a lot of myths about Carrageenan that were originally started by Joanne K. Tobacman from the College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA in a 2001 article titled Review of Harmful Gastrointestinal Effects of Carrageenan in Animals. This is the same person who the article from the Cornucopia Institute is still claiming it causes ill-effects but her citizen's petition was rejected by the FDA in 2012.

However, since 2001 article was published the research has been re-examined in detail. Recent information has been published by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). In 2003 overall, the JECFA concluded that there was no concern to the continued consumption of carrageenan and assigned it to the group "Acceptable Daily Intake - not specified". This classification is used when the JECFA has determined that a food additive does not represent a hazard to health . It also allows for the use of the additive at the level necessary to achieve the technical or functional effect in food, also referred to as the level of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Here is a link to the complete report titled the Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on Carrageenan from European Commission Health & Consumer Protection Directorate-General

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