Microcrystalline Cellulose: A Cheap Filler with Potential Side Effects

I. Introduction to Microcrystalline Cellulose in Supplements

A. Brief overview of microcrystalline cellulose in supplements

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a widely used filler and binder in the pharmaceutical and supplement industries. It has gained popularity due to its low cost and versatility. However, it's crucial for consumers to understand the potential side effects and risks associated with MCC.

B. Importance of understanding the potential side effects and risks of Microcrystalline cellulose in supplements

This blog post aims to raise awareness about the cheap filler and capsule material, MCC, and its possible side effects. It's essential for consumers to be informed about the ingredients in their supplements to make informed decisions about their health.

II. What is Microcrystalline Cellulose?

A. Definition and origin

Microcrystalline cellulose is a refined wood pulp derivative. It is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder used as a filler, binder, and disintegrant in the production of supplements and pharmaceuticals[1]. Microcrystalline cellulose is commonly sourced from wood pulp

B. Common uses in the pharmaceutical and supplement industries

MCC is commonly used to give pills their structure, control their disintegration in the body, and ensure a release of active ingredients[2]. Its popularity stems from its low cost and versatility in various applications.

C. Reasons for its popularity: cost and versatility

MCC is cheap and easily available, making it an attractive option for supplement manufacturers. It is also a versatile ingredient, making it suitable for various applications in the pharmaceutical and supplement industries. One of its key advantages is that it can be used to fill a capsule for a low cost, especially in probiotics, which contain bacteria that take up a very small amount of space. This leaves a lot of room in the capsule that companies may not care to fill with useful ingredients like prebiotics, enzymes, foods, or minerals, and they may opt instead to fill it with cheap microcrystalline cellulose, a very common option for these companies to cut costs and reduce product complexity.

III. The Dark Side of Microcrystalline Cellulose in Supplements: Potential Side Effects

A. Gastrointestinal issues

Some people may experience gastrointestinal issues after consuming supplements containing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). These issues include:

1. Bloating
2. Gas
3. Constipation or diarrhea
4. Abdominal pain

B. Allergic reactions

In rare cases, individuals may develop an allergic reaction to MCC, leading to symptoms such as:

1. Skin rashes
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Swelling in the face, lips, or tongue[3]

C. Microcrystalline cellulose and the controversial link to weight gain

Some studies have suggested that consuming large amounts of MCC may contribute to weight gain, although more research is needed to confirm this link[4].

D. The potential impact on nutrient absorption

There is limited evidence to suggest that MCC might interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, particularly fat-soluble vitamins[5]. However, more research is needed to understand the full extent of this issue.

E. Microcrystalline Cellulose in Supplements Can Add Up

For people who take multiple supplements every day, it's important to understand that the capsule material, which is often overlooked, can contribute to the overall daily dietary intake. While the active ingredients in supplements are the primary focus, the capsule materials themselves can add up in terms of weight and nutritional content, depending on the number of capsules you take daily. For a capsule made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), the weight of these materials may seem negligible for a single capsule, but when taken in large quantities or over an extended period, they can accumulate and become a more substantial part of your diet. For instance, if you consume 10 capsules per day, each weighing around 100 mg (including the capsule material), you would be ingesting approximately 1 gram of capsule material daily. Over a month, that adds up to 30 grams, and over a year, it becomes 365 grams (nearly 0.8 pounds) of additional material in your diet. Because of the potentially inflammatory or negative nature of cellulose-based materials, while they are considered "safe" in smaller amounts, it is important to be aware of just how much microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or cellulose is actually in a daily diet. For example, a supplement that has a cheap capsule and is also filled with microcrystalline cellulose will have more of a contribution to the daily diet

IV. The Hidden Costs of Microcrystalline Cellulose in Supplements, Cheap Fillers, and Capsules

A. Sacrificing quality for cost savings

While using MCC as a filler or capsule material can save money for manufacturers, it may come at the cost of quality. Cheap fillers and capsules might be less effective and cause unwanted side effects.

B. The potential dangers of using low-quality ingredients in supplements

Low-quality ingredients in supplements can lead to potential health risks, making it crucial for consumers to prioritize quality over cost when choosing supplements.

C. The importance of transparency and consumer awareness

It's essential for supplement manufacturers to be transparent about the ingredients used in their products. Consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with cheap fillers and capsules to make informed decisions about their health.

V. Alternatives to Microcrystalline Cellulose in Supplements

A. Plant-based alternatives

There are plant-based alternatives to MCC, including:

1. Rice bran
2. Psyllium husk

B. Gelatin-based capsules

Gelatin-based capsules are another alternative to MCC. They are made from animal-derived gelatin and are generally well-tolerated by most people. However, they may not be suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions.

C. Recommendations for choosing high-quality supplements and capsules

To choose high-quality supplements and capsules, consider the following:

1. Look for reputable brands with a commitment to quality and transparency.
2. Opt for products with minimal or no artificial fillers, binders, and additives.
3. Check labels for third-party testing or certification, which can indicate quality control and purity.
4. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations based on individual needs and preferences.

D. Pullulan Capsules

Pullulan capsules are an excellent alternative to MCC and are made from a natural, water-soluble polysaccharide called pullulan. This polysaccharide is produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans through a fermentation process[6]. Pullulan capsules have several advantages, including:

1. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: Pullulan capsules are plant-based and suitable for vegetarians and vegans, unlike gelatin-based capsules that are derived from animal sources.
2. Hypoallergenic: These capsules are considered hypoallergenic, making them a safe choice for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to common allergens[7].
3. Excellent oxygen barrier: Pullulan capsules have a superior oxygen barrier compared to other capsule materials, which helps protect sensitive ingredients from oxidation and ensures a longer shelf life[8].
4. Eco-friendly: The production of pullulan capsules has a lower environmental impact than gelatin and HPMC capsules, making them a more environmentally friendly choice[9].

When selecting a high-quality supplement, it's important to consider the capsule material. Pullulan capsules offer a plant-based, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly option for those looking to avoid potential issues associated with microcrystalline cellulose.

MicroBiome Restore: A High-Quality Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplement

MicroBiome Restore is a prebiotic and probiotic supplement that prioritizes quality and safety by avoiding the use of microcrystalline cellulose. Due to the potential dangers, side effects, and low quality associated with MCC, MicroBiome Restore has opted for a more reliable and health-conscious choice in their formulation.

A. Pullulan Capsules, Not Cellulose/HPMC, in MicroBiome Restore

MicroBiome Restore does NOT include Microcrystalline Cellulose because of all of the potential drawbacks, and uses pullulan capsules instead, which offer several benefits over microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and other common capsule materials. As highlighted before, some of the advantages of pullulan capsules include:

1. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: Suitable for individuals following plant-based diets, as they are not derived from animal sources.
2. Hypoallergenic: A safe option for those with allergies or sensitivities to common allergens.
3. Excellent oxygen barrier: Helps protect the sensitive ingredients, ensuring a longer shelf life for the supplement.
4. Eco-friendly: The production of pullulan capsules has a lower environmental impact, making them a more sustainable choice.
5. Prebiotic support: Pullulan also has prebiotic potential, as it serves as a fermentable substrate for beneficial gut bacteria, thereby promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms in the digestive system[10]. This is the biggest reason why Pullulan capsules were chosen for the MicroBiome Restore formula, as they offer a functional prebiotic delivery mechanism which compounds when combined with the leading prebiotic blend in MicroBiome Restore.

By using pullulan capsules, MicroBiome Restore demonstrates its commitment to providing a high-quality and safe product for its consumers.

B. Benefits of MicroBiome Restore

MicroBiome Restore is designed to support a healthy gut microbiome by providing a combination of prebiotics and probiotics specifically combined with the goal of supporting digestive health, enhancing nutrient absorption, calming gut inflammation, and balancing gut bacteria communities. MicroBiome Restore uses a fermented prebiotic Pullulan capsule and does not contain microcrystalline cellulose, HPMC, or cellulose. In fact, no useless fillers or machine lubricants are found in the formulation!

C. Choosing MicroBiome Restore

If you are looking for a prebiotic and probiotic supplement that prioritizes quality, safety, and efficacy, MicroBiome Restore is an excellent option. By avoiding microcrystalline cellulose in supplements and using pullulan capsules, MicroBiome Restore demonstrates its commitment to consumer health and well-being.

VI. Conclusion

A. Recap of the potential side effects of Microcrystalline Cellulose in Supplements

Microcrystalline cellulose, a cheap and versatile filler, can cause gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, and possibly interfere with nutrient absorption. Although more research is needed, it's essential for consumers to be aware of these potential side effects when choosing supplements.

B. The importance of being an informed consumer

Being an informed consumer is crucial when selecting supplements. Prioritizing quality over cost and seeking out reputable brands can help minimize potential risks associated with low-quality ingredients, such as MCC.

C. Encouraging readers to prioritize quality over cost when choosing supplements

By prioritizing quality and transparency, consumers can make informed decisions about their health and minimize potential risks associated with cheap fillers and capsules, like microcrystalline cellulose in supplements.

Sources

[1] "Microcrystalline Cellulose" - ScienceDirect [2] "Pharmaceutical applications of microcrystalline cellulose" - ResearchGate DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2012.680819 [3] "Cellulose allergy: A rare, but important, cause of contact dermatitis" - Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.10.018 [4] "Effects of Microcrystalline Cellulose on Body Weight" - National Center for Biotechnology Information DOI: 10.3390/nu11020362 [5] "Influence of MCC on fat-soluble vitamins" - International Journal of Pharmaceutics  DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.02.017 [6] "Pullulan: A novel molecule for biomedical applications" - National Center for Biotechnology Information DOI: 10.2174/1567201814666170719111345 [7] "Hypoallergenic pullulan capsules" - Capsugel [8] "The barrier properties of pullulan capsules" - ResearchGate DOI: 10.1208/s12249-014-0206-7 [9] "Environmental impact of pullulan capsules" - ResearchGate DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.06.006 [10] "Prebiotic potential of pullulan" - National Center for Biotechnology Information DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.11.050