Why do Marine Collagen Gummies contain carrageenan?Updated a month ago

Carrageenan, also known as Irish moss extract, is included in our Marine Collagen Gummies for both functional and health benefits. It helps give the gummies their structure and texture while also providing naturally occurring minerals and polysaccharides—much like the Irish moss gel beverages you’d find in reputable health food stores.

Understanding the Confusion: Carrageenan vs. Poligeenan

Many concerns about carrageenan stem from early studies that used or misidentified poligeenan (previously called “degraded carrageenan”) as the same substance as carrageenan. In reality, these two are chemically distinct:

• Carrageenan (Irish moss extract) is a natural, food-grade ingredient that has been safely consumed for generations and is commonly used in health foods.

• Poligeenan is a chemically modified form of carrageenan created through extreme heat and acid, breaking it down into much smaller molecules. Unlike food-grade carrageenan, poligeenan is not used in food and has been shown to have harmful effects in studies.

This mix-up is similar to saying all plant oils are unhealthy simply because some are hydrogenated. Hydrogenated oils undergo artificial processing and have different properties—just like poligeenan differs entirely from food-grade carrageenan.

Scientific Consensus on Safety
Carrageenan’s safety is widely recognized by Health Canada, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the FDA. Modern research and regulatory reviews distinguish food-grade carrageenan from poligeenan, confirming the former’s safe use in foods.

Bottom line: the carrageenan in our gummies is the same Irish moss extract you’d find in health food stores and is perfectly safe to consume.