Investigating the Impact of the Seaweed Derived Food Additive, Carrageenan, on the Human Gut Microbiome
This study aims to understand if a common food additive called carrageenan, which comes from seaweed, changes the bacteria living in your gut. Carrageenan is often used in sweets and other foods as a thickener, and you might see it as E407 on labels. We're particularly interested to see if having carrageenan along with a fibre called inulin (which helps good gut bacteria grow) has a positive effect. Participants will eat two gummy sweets a day for four weeks. We will compare sweets with carrageenan, sweets with carrageenan and inulin, and a plain sweet (placebo). We'll collect stool and urine samples to check for changes in your gut bacteria and ask about your digestion (tummy comfort). The goal is to see if these sweets could be a healthier snack choice for your gut.
At a glance
What is this study about?
You know how some sweets and foods have ingredients that make them thicker or more jelly-like? One such ingredient is called carrageenan, and it comes from seaweed. You might see it on food labels as E407. Our gut, or tummy, is full of tiny living things called bacteria, and these make up something called the 'gut microbiome'. Scientists are very interested in how different foods affect these bacteria, as they play a big part in our overall health.
We've done some early tests in the lab that suggest carrageenan, especially when combined with a special kind of fibre called inulin, might actually help the good bacteria in our gut grow. Inulin is known as a 'prebiotic' because it feeds these helpful bacteria. Now, we want to see if these promising results from the lab also happen in real people. This study will involve people eating specially made gummy sweets daily for four weeks.
We'll have three types of sweets: one with just carrageenan, one with carrageenan and inulin, and a plain sweet (which acts as a comparison). We'll be carefully checking changes in the types of bacteria in your gut by looking at samples you provide, and also how you feel in terms of tummy comfort. The main aim is to see if eating these sweets can make a positive difference to your gut bacteria and digestion, helping turn everyday snacks into healthier choices.
Key takeaways
- Investigating how a seaweed ingredient (carrageenan) in sweets affects gut bacteria.
- Looking for positive changes when a fibre (inulin) is added to carrageenan sweets.
- Healthy adults (18-55) needed, no certain gut issues or recent antibiotics.
- Involves eating 2 gummy sweets daily for 4 weeks.
- Requires providing stool and urine samples at specific times.
- Helps understand if certain snacks can be healthier for your gut.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between the ages of 18 and 55. We are looking for people who don't have any major ongoing health problems.
However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. For example, if you've recently taken antibiotics (in the last three months) or if you have certain bowel conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), unfortunately, this study isn't for you. Also, if you have food allergies or regularly take prebiotics or probiotics (supplements that help gut bacteria), you wouldn't be eligible.
- Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
- Are you generally healthy with no ongoing major health conditions?
- Have you avoided taking antibiotics in the last 3 months?
- Do you *not* have conditions like IBS, IBD, or other serious gut problems?
- Do you *not* regularly take prebiotic or probiotic supplements?
- Do you *not* have any known food allergies or intolerances?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening appointment to make sure you're a good fit for the study. If you agree to continue, you'll be asked to eat two gummy sweets every day for four weeks. These sweets will either contain carrageenan, carrageenan plus inulin, or a plain alternative, but you won't know which type you're getting. Over a total period of nine weeks, you'll need to provide stool (poo) and urine samples on three different occasions. We'll also ask you to fill in some questionnaires about your digestion and how comfortable your tummy feels. The first few days will involve a 24-hour food diary and then you start the sweets for four weeks, with follow-up samples collected afterwards.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of ReadingReading, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is carrageenan?
Carrageenan is a natural ingredient from seaweed, often used in foods as a thickener. It might be listed as E407 on food labels.
What is the gut microbiome?
It's the community of all the tiny living things, mostly bacteria, that live in your gut. They are important for your health.
How long will I have to eat the sweets for?
You will eat two gummy sweets every day for four weeks as part of the study.
Will I know which type of sweet I'm eating?
No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know which sweet you're getting until the study is over.
Why do I need to provide samples?
Stool and urine samples help us look at the changes in your gut bacteria and how your body processes the sweets.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.