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Reply to comments regarding “The Carrageenan Controversy”

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Abstract

Carrageenan has been used in the laboratory for decades because it reliably causes inflammation. Coincident with its use in the laboratory, carrageenan has been used in an ever-increasing list of processed foods, as well as in infant formula, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toothpaste, room air deodorizers, and other products. The biological reactivity of carrageenan makes it a useful substance to improve the texture and solubility of ingredients in processed foods. Individuals may consume several grams of carrageenan on a daily basis. However, the potential contribution of carrageenan exposure to chronic human diseases, due to its activation of immune responses and its potent inflammatory properties, must be recognized.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL, 60612, USA

    Joanne K. Tobacman

  2. Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Joanne K. Tobacman

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  1. Joanne K. Tobacman
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Correspondence to Joanne K. Tobacman.

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Tobacman, J.K. Reply to comments regarding “The Carrageenan Controversy”. J Appl Phycol 29, 2209–2211 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1145-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1145-z

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