Carrageenan

What is Carrageenan?

Carrageenan is one of the most common ingredients in milk products such as yogurt or chocolate milk. It is normally made from algae or seaweed. If you wish to make it at home you can simply boil Irish moss for about 30 minutes and let the mixture cool.

Carrageenan is mainly used as a thickening agent especially by vegetarians. This usually replaces animal based thickening agents such as gelatine. It may be used in the preparation of certain wines and beers. Also many sliced deli meats are enriched with carrageenan.

Carrageenan is increasingly being used in STD studies. This is because Researchers identified a class of compounds called sulphated polysaccharides, and particularly Carrageenan, as one of the most promising candidate microbicide. It has been reported to be is an extremely potent infection inhibitor for a broad range of sexually transmitted conditions.

Carrageenan may also be marketed in its jelled form as a personal lubricant. There are many clinical studies still being carried out on its use in diaphragms and as a vagina protective coating.

Side Effects and Warnings of Carrageenan

There are still no recorded side effects in using Carrageenan. However, it is always prudent to read the product label as well as seek medical advice from your medical practitioner. This will aid you in deciding whether to use carrageenan based supplements.

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