Carrageenan

Carrageenan (carrageenan) is a collective term for a group of long-chain carbohydrates produced from red algae and used as a medicine. Carrageenan is used to treat coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis and intestinal problems. In France, a form of carrageenan is used that is produced using acid and high heat. This form is used to treat stomach ulcers and as a laxative. Some people apply carrageenan to the skin to treat discomfort around the anus. In industrial manufacturing, carrageenan is used as a binder, thickener and stabilizer in the production of medicines, food and toothpaste. Carrageenan is also an ingredient in weight loss products.

How does carrageenan work?

Carrageenan contains chemicals that may reduce secretions in the stomach and intestines. Large amounts of carrageenan appear to draw water into the intestines and this may explain why carrageenan is used as a laxative. Carrageenan may also reduce inflammatory swelling.

How effective is carrageenan?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of carrageenan for coughs, bronchitis, tuberculosis, constipation, stomach ulcers and intestinal problems, as well as for aiding weight loss. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of carrageenan in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Carrageenan is safe and harmless for most people at normal dietary levels. There is a chemically modified form of carrageenan that is available in France. This form may not be safe and harmless as there is evidence that it may cause cancer.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Carrageenan is safe and harmless in normal food quantities, but it is not known whether this also applies to larger quantities used as medicine. It is therefore best for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid such quantities.

Interactions

Care should be taken when using carrageenan in combination with the following medications:

Medications for high blood pressure

Carrageenan appears to lower blood pressure. Taking carrageenan in combination with medication to control blood pressure could lower blood pressure too much.

Medication taken orally

Carrageenan forms a thick gel in the digestive tract and could bind active drug ingredients in the stomach and intestines. Taking carrageenan at the same time as oral medication could reduce the amount of active drug ingredient absorbed by the body and thus reduce the effectiveness of the medication taken. To prevent this, carrageenan should be taken at least one hour after medication.

Medications that slow down blood clotting

Carrageenan could slow down blood clotting. Taking carrageenan in conjunction with medications that also slow blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise. Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen and others.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of carrageenan depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for carrageenan. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.