Carob as a dietary supplement
Carob, derived from the pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), is increasingly recognized as a dietary supplement with various health benefits. Traditionally used in food and medicine, carob powder is created by drying and grinding the pods, offering a chocolate-like flavor while being particularly rich in insoluble fiber. It is proposed for several health applications, including the treatment of diarrhea, high cholesterol, and digestive issues in infants, as well as support for weight management and blood sugar control in diabetes. Research has shown promise for carob in improving cholesterol profiles and resolving diarrhea in both adults and infants. Additionally, carob may assist in managing pregnancy-related nausea and is considered safe for use by pregnant and nursing women. While carob is generally regarded as safe, further scientific studies are needed to fully establish its efficacy and potential therapeutic applications. For adults, a typical dosage ranges from 15 to 20 grams of carob powder daily, with careful consideration for children based on weight. As with any dietary supplement, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially in cases of severe diarrhea.
Subject Terms
Carob as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural product promoted as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Diarrhea, high cholesterol
OTHER PROPOSED USE: Esophageal reflux in infants, weight management, diabetes support, heartburn, pregnancy, celiac disease
Overview
Carob is a warm-climate tree that grows up to 50 feet in height. Its long, reddish pods contain seeds used as medicine and food. The seed consists of three parts: the outer husk, the nutritive endosperm (analogous to the white edible portion of the coconut), and the inner seed, or germ. The endosperm is converted to locust bean gum, a thickening agent used in numerous prepared foods. The entire pod, when dried and ground, is called carob powder. Carob powder is used both as a chocolate-like flavoring and as a medicinal substance for treating diarrhea.
Uses and Applications
Carob is rich in insoluble fiber. Like other sources of fiber, carob has shown some promise for improving cholesterol profile. In a small (fifty-eight-participant), double-blind, placebo-controlled study, using carob powder at a dose of 15 grams daily significantly reduced levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol compared with placebo.
Carob also contains tannins, astringent substances found in many plants. Foods rich in tannins are often recommended for the treatment of diarrhea. A double-blind clinical trial of forty-one infants with diarrhea found that carob powder (at a dose of 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per day) significantly speeded up diarrhea resolution compared with placebo.
The carob portion made into locust bean gum contains soluble fiber in the galactomannan family. Like other forms of soluble fiber, it has shown potential (though not proven) benefits for enhancing weight loss and controlling blood sugar levels. This could hold promise for individuals hoping to manage their diabetes.
Some infants have a tendency to regurgitate after eating. A small, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that the use of locust bean gum as a thickening agent significantly reduced the amount and frequency of regurgitation.
Other suggested therapeutic uses for carob include as a supplement to help manage pregnancy complications such as nausea and vomiting. Carob may also be a helpful supplement for individuals with celiac disease. Although carob has a long history of traditional use and double-blind, placebo-controlled trials continue, more scientific study is needed.
Dosage
A typical dose of carob powder for the treatment of diarrhea or high cholesterol in adults is 15 to 20 grams daily. The dose is reduced proportionately by weight for treating diarrhea in children. Like other fiber sources, carob should be taken with plenty of water. Severe diarrhea in infants and children requires professional medical care.
Safety Issues
Carob powder and locust bean gum, as widely consumed foods, are believed to have a high degree of safety. Locust bean gum has been extensively evaluated and found noncarcinogenic and nontoxic. There are no known risks for pregnant or nursing women.
Bibliography
Brennan, C. S. "Dietary Fibre, Glycaemic Response, and Diabetes." Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, vol. 49, 2005, pp. 560-570.
Butler, Natalie, and Lisa Wartenberg. "The 5 Best Things About Carob." Healthline, 29 Sept. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/5-best-things-about-carob#intro. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
"Carob - Uses." Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington, 14 Apr. 2014, wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2061000. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
Cronkleton, Emily. "What to Know About Carob Powder." Medical News Today, 19 Jan. 2022, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/carob-powder. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
Wenzl, T. G., et al. "Effects of Thickened Feeding on Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants: A Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study Using Intraluminal Impedance." Pediatrics, vol. 111, 2003, pp. 355-359.
Zunft, H. J., et al. "Carob Pulp Preparation Rich in Insoluble Fibre Lowers Total and LDL Cholesterol in Hypercholesterolemic Patients." European Journal of Nutrition, vol. 42, 2003, pp. 235-242.