E407 CARRAGENINE OR CARRAGENANI
Carrageenans are polysaccharides of natural origin extracted from red algae heated to high temperatures and treated with acids. They are compounds resistant to the action of intestinal microbial flora with a thickening and gelling function. Carrageenans can be present in various foods, such as ice cream, desserts, puddings, candies, sugared almonds, chewing-gum, baked confectionery products, biscuits, preparations. for jellies, candied fruit, cream spray, mayonnaise, canned meats, canned fish.
At the doses normally used, they do not have negative side effects, while at high concentrations carrageenans can cause flatulence and swelling, due to fermentation by the intestinal microflora. Some researchers argue, however, that carrageenans can also cause allergies, weaken the immune system and reduce the assimilation of essential minerals, as well as having a potentially carcinogenic action.
ADI DOSE: 75 mg per kg of body weight.
