What is carrageenan? Should I be concerned that it is an ingredient in my supplement?
Carrageenan is a substance derived from red algae, or seaweed, that is used to create a smooth texture and thicken foods such as pudding, yogurt, ice-cream, whipped toppings, milk (including almond and soy milk), soups, and processed meats.
Carrageenan is sometimes also added to supplements to improve texture or thicken ingredients. It can be found in some
multivitamins, vegan and vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as
algal oil supplements, nutrition bars and
protein drinks. It was also an ingredient in one
cocoa product tested by ConsumerLab.com, although it was removed from the formulation in late 2014.
Food-grade carrageenan is considered safe by most regulatory agencies; however, some researchers who study carrageenan have raised concerns that carrageenan may be carcinogenic and cause inflammatory reactions.
See the full answer for more information >>
See the Review Article about
Inactive Ingredients for more information about carrageenan and other ingredients commonly added to supplements.
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This CL Answer initially posted on 2/21/2015.
Last updated 9/24/2017.