Is Gelatin safe?

Introduction

Gelatin is a widely used material in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical applications. Its safety has been a topic of research, especially concerning its use in medical treatments and food products. This synthesis aims to provide a cohesive understanding of the safety of gelatin based on multiple research studies.

Key Insights

Increased Risk of Adverse Effects in Medical Use:
- Gelatin solutions have been associated with an increased risk of anaphylaxis, mortality, renal failure, and bleeding when used as resuscitation fluids compared to crystalloids and albumin.
- In cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) priming for cardiac surgery, gelatin showed a safety profile non-inferior to modern-generation tetrastarches or crystalloids, but the evidence quality was low due to inconsistent outcome reporting.
Safety in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications:
- Fish gelatin is considered immunologically safe and avoids the risk of diseases associated with mammalian gelatin, making it suitable for people with religious dietary restrictions.
- Gelatin is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and has a long history of safe use in pharmaceuticals, including ocular drug delivery systems.
Food Safety and Environmental Benefits:
- Gelatin is extensively used in food packaging due to its biodegradability and good antibacterial and antioxidant properties, although it requires modifications to improve its mechanical properties .
- Products made with gelatin enriched with Andean raw materials have been found to meet safety standards and offer high nutritional value.

Conclusion

The safety of gelatin varies depending on its application. In medical settings, particularly as resuscitation fluids, gelatin has been linked to increased risks of adverse effects, suggesting caution in its use. However, in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and food applications, gelatin is generally considered safe, with fish gelatin offering additional benefits by avoiding certain health and socio-cultural issues. Overall, while gelatin is versatile and widely used, its safety profile is context-dependent, necessitating careful consideration in medical applications.

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Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

How safe is gelatin? A systematic review and meta-analysis of gelatin-containing plasma expanders vs crystalloids and albumin.

Gelatin solutions increase the risk of anaphylaxis and may be harmful by increasing mortality, renal failure, and bleeding.

Safety of gelatin solutions for the priming of cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Gelatin solutions for cardiopulmonary bypass priming in cardiac surgery have a non-inferior safety profile compared to modern-generation tetrastarches or crystalloids, but the evidence grade is low due to poor methodological quality of included studies.

Cosmetic, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications of Fish Gelatin/Hydrolysates

Fish gelatin is safe, eco-friendly, and suitable for cosmetic, biomedical, and pharmaceutical applications, with unique rheological properties and potential for religious-based food restrictions.

Application of Gelatin in Food Packaging: A Review

Gelatin-based edible films with modified properties can offer eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic food packaging.

Gelatin-based particulate systems in ocular drug delivery

Gelatin-based micro- and nanoparticles show potential for successful ocular drug delivery, highlighting the potential of this safe biomaterial for this challenging field.

Immobilization of enzymes and microbial cells in gelatin.

Gelatin, a safe and abundant food additive, can be used as a matrix for immobilizing enzymes and whole cells, with formaldehyde treatment providing thermostability and mechanical strength.

Study of Physicochemical and Gelation Properties of Fish Gelatin from Different Sources

TG enzyme-catalyzed modified fish gelatin improves gel strength and application potential, making it a safe alternative to cattle and pig gelatin.

Fish gelatin: a renewable material for developing active biodegradable films.

Fish gelatins offer a renewable alternative to synthetic plastics for making biodegradable films for preserving foodstuffs, with potential for enhanced properties by combining with other biopolymers and additives.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GELATIN ENRICHESERLA WITH SHELL AND SAMBO SEEDS.

The gelatin-enricheserla process integrates lupine shell and sambo seed residues, resulting in a safe, nutritious, and eco-friendly product suitable for consumption.

Ingenious gelatin : a multi-talented ingredient

Gelatin is a safe and versatile ingredient in the food industry, with a long history of use dating back to the 16th century, despite the uncertainty surrounding BSE.

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