Carrageenan, a common food additive, has dual aspects, being both useful in drug delivery and food printing, while potentially harmful via inducing intestinal inflammatory conditions.
This study investigates the dual roles of carrageenan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide. It is used in creating edible films and encapsulating drugs, and has potential uses in food printing. Moreover, it can regulate the composition of intestinal microflora, including promoting the increase of Bifidobacterium bacteria. The research shines a light on the harmful side of carrageenan as well by focusing on its interactive effects with intestinal microflora, mucous barrier, and proinflammatory pathways.
The study reveals that carrageenan negatively alters intestinal microflora, triggering a breakdown of the mucus barrier, leading to an inflammatory response. This response occurs due to activation of the pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer pathway in the epithelial cells, likely via the mechanism of TLR4 receptor activation, alteration in macrophage activity, production of proinflammatory cytokines, and activation of innate immune pathways. Carrageenan's influence also led to increased levels of Bacteroidetes bacteria, alongside reducing short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, ultimately damaging the integrity of the intestinal membrane and reducing the mucin layer. The study finds that those with intestinal inflammation disorders, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are particularly vulnerable to these harmful effects.
