Fact Check: Are Ingredients Like Folic Acid and Carrageenan in Premier Protein and Fairlife Protein Harmful?

A social media post is going viral with a claim that famous supplement brands Premier Protein and Fairline Protein are harmful for human consumption. Social media users had raised their concerns on the presence of few ingredients which have adverse health effects upon consumption. 

However, FAct Crescendo found the claim to be false. All the ingredients in Premier Protein and Fairline protein are safe if consumed within permissible limits.

What’s the claim? 

The claim states that both Premier Protein and Fairline Protein contains ingredients like Folic Acid, Carrageenan, Cyanocobalamin and sucralose which are known carcinogens and leads to other serious health issues. The post have appealed to consumers to avoid these two drinks. 

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Fact Check- 

As per the information available on Premier protein website, the products contain folic acid, carrageenan, sucralose and cyanocobalamin. But Fairline protein contains only carrageenan and sucralose, out of all the ingredients mentioned in the post. 

Let’s study each of the mentioned ingredients in detail.

Folic Acid:

Folate or Folic acid is a type of Vitamin B, found in leafy greens and helps in keeping DNA stable and supports cell functions. A lack of folate has been linked to various cancers, including colon, breast, ovarian, pancreatic, brain, lung, and cervical cancer. Overall, most research shows that folate from natural food sources helps protect against colon cancer. Many people don’t get enough folate, which is important for DNA repair and stability. A folate deficiency can lead to cancer by disrupting these processes.

Several studies have looked at whether folic acid (FA) supplements affect cancer risk. Researchers analyzed data from multiple clinical trials where people took FA supplements for various health reasons, with doses ranging from 0.4 to 40 mg per day. Most studies show that folic acid (FA) supplements do not significantly increase cancer risk. One analysis suggested a small (7%) increase, but the evidence wasn’t strong. No major links were found between FA and common cancers, though one study did show a 24% higher risk of prostate cancer but another study found a 53% lower risk of skin cancer (melanoma).

According to Lancet, a study over 5.2 years found that taking folic acid significantly increased blood folate levels but did not significantly affect overall cancer risk. There was no clear link between taking folic acid for a longer time and a higher cancer risk. Studies also found that folic acid did not significantly affect the risk of colon, prostate, lung, or breast cancer.

Overall, folic acid supplements do not seem to strongly increase or decrease cancer risk within the first five years. The amounts used in food fortification are much lower than those in the study.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily is safe and effective, especially for women who can become pregnant, as it helps prevent serious birth defects. Intake of this value does not cause any harm. 

Taking up to 1 mg of folic acid daily is generally safe for most people, but higher doses may cause side effects like stomach issues, nausea, skin reactions, or even seizures. Another form, L-5-MTHF, is also found in supplements and is likely safe at doses up to 400 mcg daily.

Carrageenan: 

As per National Library of Medicine’s report, food-grade carrageenan has a large molecular weight and is not absorbed by the body. It remains stable in the digestive system. Studies show that carrageenan does not cause cancer or promote tumors, and its effects on the immune system are not relevant to its oral consumption. Toxicological studies on carrageenan at very high doses (much higher than human exposure) show no harmful effects. International food safety organizations, like JECFA, have reviewed carrageenan and consider it safe for consumption with no specified daily intake limit.

EFSA evaluated the food additive carrageenan (E407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a). Studies show that carrageenan is not absorbed by the body, is not toxic even at high doses, and does not cause cancer or genetic damage. Processed Eucheuma seaweed is considered equally safe. However, there are uncertainties about its chemistry, exposure levels, and some biological data. Because of these gaps, the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 75 mg/kg body weight per day is set for a temporary period. The organization is continuing its research on carrageenan. 

Side Effects: Carrageenan is a common food additive derived from red seaweed and is generally recognized as safe by the FDA and other regulatory agencies. However, some people may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. Some studies suggest that carrageenan could trigger gut inflammation or worsen conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in sensitive individuals. 

Cyanocobalamin:

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements states that cyanocobalamin is a common and safe form of vitamin B12 used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. It is widely approved and used because it is stable and effective. Many dietary supplements, including protein shakes, contain cyanocobalamin as a B12 source. The body converts it into active forms of B12, making it beneficial for health.

Research on its link to cancer is mixed, with some studies suggesting high levels might increase risk, while others show no connection or even a protective effect. Although B12 helps lower homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease, studies show it does not reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke. Despite being essential for energy metabolism, B12 supplements do not boost energy or athletic performance unless there is a deficiency.

The FDA confirms that cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) is safe and approved for treating B12 deficiency. It is well-tested and generally does not cause serious side effects, though some people may have mild reactions like slight irritation or allergies. The document provides safe dosage instructions and usage guidelines, showing that it is safe when used correctly. Since it is already FDA-approved for medical use, it is also safe to include in dietary supplements and fortified foods like protein shakes, as long as regulations are followed.

Side Effects: Vitamin B12, including cyanocobalamin, is generally safe, as excess amounts are excreted in urine. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, or an upset stomach. In rare cases, allergic reactions like itching, swelling, or rash can occur. If taken as an injection, some may experience pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.

Sucralose: 

Sucralose is approved for use in food as a sweetener. It is sold under the brand name Splenda. The FDA approved sucralose for use in 15 food categories in 1998 and for use as a general-purpose sweetener for foods in 1999, under certain conditions of use. To determine the safety of sucralose, the FDA reviewed more than 110 studies designed to identify possible toxic effects, including studies on the reproductive and nervous systems, carcinogenicity, and metabolism. The FDA also reviewed human clinical trials to address metabolism and effects on patients with diabetes.

Below you can see the safe limit for each sweetener and the amount a person would need to consume to reach Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).

Side Effects: Some studies have shown that sucralose can change your gut microbiome by lowering the number of good bacteria by half. Research done on animals shows that sucralose can also increase inflammation in the body. Over time, inflammation can lead to problems like obesity and diabetes.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. Both Premier Protein and Fairline Protein are safe to consume. The ingredients in both these products are approved and declared safe. None of the mentioned ingredients have any adverse health effects upon consumption if consumed under prescribed limits.