Gigartina Stellata / Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Also known as: carrageenan source, Irish moss extract, red seaweed extract
Refined carrageenan is FDA-approved for food use and EFSA-authorised as E407. Recent peer-reviewed clinical work (Borthakur et al., 2007; Bhattacharyya et al., 2017) has linked carrageenan consumption to gut inflammation in animal models and some human studies, with effects appearing most consistently for degraded forms (poligeenan).
What it is
Extract from two species of red seaweed (Gigartina stellata, Kappaphycus alvarezii) used as a natural source of carrageenan-class polysaccharides for thickening and gelling food.
Thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer in dairy alternatives, gummies, and processed foods.
Why it's flagged
- Some peer-reviewed studies link refined carrageenan to gut inflammation
- Degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) is a known intestinal irritant
- EFSA 2018 called for additional safety data; ADI considered temporary
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as carrageenan under 21 CFR 172.620.
European Union — EFSA
Authorised as E407; ADI 75 mg/kg bw/day (group ADI for carrageenan and processed Eucheuma seaweed).
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