Derived from red seaweed, carrageenan acts as a thickener, emulsifier and preservative in many different food products.
Common sources of carrageenan include almond milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, coffee creamers and dairy-free products like vegan cheese.
For decades, there have been concerns about the safety of this common food additive and its potential effects on health.
One animal study showed that exposure to carrageenan increased levels of fasting blood sugar and glucose intolerance, especially when combined with a high-fat diet.
Test-tube and animal studies have found that carrageenan triggered inflammation, as well .
Carrageenan is also believed to negatively impact digestive health, and may be associated with the formation of intestinal ulcers and growths.
One small study found that when people in remission from ulcerative colitis took a supplement containing carrageenan, they experienced an earlier relapse than those who took a placebo.
Unfortunately, current research on the effects of carrageenan is still very limited and more studies are needed to understand how it may affect people.
If you do decide to limit your intake of carrageenan, there are plenty of resources online that can help you find brands and products that are carrageenan-free.
SUMMARYTest-tube and animal studies have found that carrageenan may cause high blood sugar and could cause intestinal ulcers and growths. One study also found that carrageenan contributed to an earlier relapse of ulcerative colitis.
Sodium benzoate is a preservative often added to carbonated drinks and acidic foods like salad dressings, pickles, fruit juices and condiments.
It has been generally recognized as safe by the FDA, but several studies have uncovered potential side effects that should be considered.
For example, one study found that combining sodium benzoate with artificial food coloring increased hyperactivity in 3-year-old children.
Another study showed that a higher intake of beverages containing sodium benzoate was associated with more symptoms of ADHD in 475 college students).
When combined with vitamin C, sodium benzoate can also be converted into a benzene, a compound that may be associated with cancer development.
Carbonated beverages contain the highest concentration of benzene, and diet or sugar-free beverages are even more prone to benzene formation.
One study analyzing the concentration of benzene in a variety of foods found cola and cole slaw samples with over 100 ppb of benzene, which is over 20 times the maximum contaminant level set by the EPA for drinking water.
To minimize your intake of sodium benzoate, check the labels of your food carefully.
Avoid foods that contain ingredients like benzoic acid, benzene or benzoate, especially if combined with a source of vitamin C such as citric acid or ascorbic acid.
SUMMARYSodium benzoate may be associated with increased hyperactivity. If combined with vitamin C, it may also form benzene, a compound that may be associated with cancer development.