From the Research
Gelatin can be harmful and increase the risk of anaphylaxis, mortality, renal failure, and bleeding, especially when used as a synthetic colloid resuscitation fluid, and its use should be cautioned against due to the availability of cheaper and safer alternatives. The use of gelatin in medical settings, particularly as a plasma expander, has been associated with increased risks of adverse effects, including anaphylaxis, mortality, and renal failure, as shown in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Critical Care in 2016 1. This study found that gelatin administration was associated with a higher risk of anaphylaxis, with a risk ratio of 3.01, and may also be harmful by increasing mortality, renal failure, and bleeding, possibly due to extravascular uptake and coagulation impairment.
In terms of nutritional benefits, gelatin is a protein derived from collagen in animal tissues and is commonly used in foods like gummy candies, marshmallows, and some desserts. For the average person without specific dietary restrictions, gelatin poses no health concerns. However, those following vegetarian or vegan diets should avoid gelatin as it's animal-derived. People with specific protein allergies might need to exercise caution. Some individuals report digestive discomfort after consuming gelatin, but this is uncommon. From a nutritional standpoint, gelatin provides protein but lacks essential amino acids, making it an incomplete protein source.
While some claim gelatin offers benefits for joint health and skin elasticity due to its collagen content, scientific evidence for these benefits from dietary gelatin remains limited. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2017 found that vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augmented collagen synthesis, which could have a beneficial role in injury prevention and tissue repair 2. However, this study was focused on the effects of gelatin supplementation on collagen synthesis and not on its safety or potential harm.
Overall, the use of gelatin in medical settings should be approached with caution, and alternative treatments should be considered due to the potential risks associated with its use. In terms of dietary consumption, gelatin is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, but individuals with specific dietary restrictions or allergies should exercise caution.
Key points to consider:
- Gelatin can increase the risk of anaphylaxis, mortality, renal failure, and bleeding when used as a synthetic colloid resuscitation fluid.
- Gelatin is an incomplete protein source and lacks essential amino acids.
- Gelatin may offer benefits for joint health and skin elasticity due to its collagen content, but scientific evidence is limited.
- Individuals with specific dietary restrictions or allergies should exercise caution when consuming gelatin.
- Alternative treatments should be considered in medical settings due to the potential risks associated with gelatin use.