Microcrystalline Cellulose, CAS# 9004-34-6, is a term for refined wood pulp manufactured through plant fibre hydrolysis, available as fine white or almost white odorless powder. Microcrystalline Cellulose is widely used as emulsifiers. It is widely accepted as safe food additive in many countries with E number E460.
Is there some safety and/or health risk about Microcrystalline Cellulose that consumers need to know? Let’s check out some basic facts about this ingredient.
GRAS Exemptions: Yes
Generally recognized as safe(GRAS) is a FDA designation that a specific substance or ingredient is generally considered safe by experts, and so is exempted from the usual Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) food additive tolerance requirements. Microcrystalline Cellulose is perfectly safe for using as food additives.
Suggested Dosage
As Microcrystalline Cellulose is widely known as safe, there is no limit on dosage of intake. However, we still recommend consumers to consult professionals before using large quantity of Microcrystalline Cellulose for long period.
Special Groups Precaution
Special groups refer to newborns, children, pregnant and any other applicable vulnerable groups.
There is no evidence that Microcrystalline Cellulose could have any negative effects on these vulnerable groups. It should be safe to use Microcrystalline Cellulose in food for newborns and pregnant. However, we still recommend consumers to consult professionals before using large quantity of Microcrystalline Cellulose for long period in food for newborns or pregnant.
General Side Effects
1. Microcrystalline Cellulose can cause moderate to severe bowel movement when ingusted in large amount. 2. Microcrystalline Cellulose can cause loss of energy and weight when ingusted in large amount as it can not be absorbed and reduces the absorption of other dietary nutrients. 3. Microcrystalline Cellulose can cause allergic reaction in some individuals, the typical reaction is diarrhoea or gas problems.
Reported Health Issues
No health issues about Microcrystalline Cellulose reported up to now.
Related Research
1. Microcrystalline cellulose membrane for re-epithelisation of chronic leg wounds: a prospective open study.[Int Wound J. 2010 Dec]
Author: Ricci EB, Cassino R, Di Campli C.
2. Biohydrogen generation by mesophilic anaerobic fermentation of microcrystalline cellulose. [Biotechnol Bioeng. 2001 Aug]
Author: Lay JJ.
Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) one of the popular food additives and ingredients in most countries, As a professional Microcrystalline Cellulose suppliers, Foodchem International Corporation has been supplying and exporting Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) from China for almost 10 years, please be assured to buy Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) at Foodchem. Any inquiries and problems please feel free to send emails to us Email: inquiry@foodchem.cn. Tel: +86-21-2206-3075. we will reply you within 1 working day.
http://www.foodchemadditives.com/products/Microcrystalline-Cellulose