Comparing E407 - Carrageenan vs E418 - Gellan gum
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Popular questions
Is carrageenan bad for you?
For most people, food‑grade carrageenan (E407) is considered safe at typical food levels by regulators like EFSA and the FDA; a small number may experience digestive discomfort. Concerns often stem from studies using degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which is not used in foods.
Carrageenan what is it?
Carrageenan (E407) is a family of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from red seaweeds, used as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent in foods.
Does carrageenan cause cancer?
There is no convincing evidence that food‑grade carrageenan causes cancer; studies suggesting risks typically used degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which is not permitted in foods. Authorities such as EFSA and JECFA consider E407 safe at current use levels.
What is carrageenan used for?
It thickens and stabilizes foods, helping suspend particles and improve texture in products like chocolate milk, dairy and plant‑based milks, ice cream, yogurt, desserts, and processed meats.
Is carrageenan bad for dogs?
Food‑grade carrageenan is permitted in pet foods as a stabilizer and is generally regarded as safe at typical levels, though some dogs with sensitive digestion may not tolerate it well. If your dog shows GI upset, choose carrageenan‑free products and consult your veterinarian.
Is gellan gum bad for you?
No—it's considered safe by major regulators (GRAS in the U.S., approved in the EU); very high intakes may cause gas or loose stools, but typical food amounts are well tolerated.
What is gellan gum made of?
It's a polysaccharide produced by fermenting sugars with the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea; chemically it contains repeating units of glucose, glucuronic acid, and rhamnose.
Is gellan gum vegan?
Yes—it's made by microbial fermentation and is not animal-derived, so it's generally considered vegan.
Is gellan gum bad for your gut?
Generally no; it's not digested and is used in small amounts, though large amounts can cause bloating or laxative effects in some people, with no evidence of gut-lining harm at permitted levels.
Is gellan gum inflammatory?
No; there's no evidence it promotes inflammation at approved food-use levels, and regulatory evaluations have not identified pro-inflammatory effects.