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E468ThickenerLow concern
Croscarmellose Sodium
In plain words
The short version
Cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose — the standard disintegrant in pharmaceutical and supplement tablets.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe (EFSA 2018 re-evaluation). Not absorbed; behaves as insoluble dietary fiber.
The detail
Manufactured by cross-linking carboxymethylcellulose sodium (E466) with itself. The covalent cross-links prevent the material from dissolving but allow it to swell dramatically on water contact, splitting compressed tablets.
The dominant tablet and capsule disintegrant in pharmaceuticals and supplements — absorbs water on ingestion and bursts tablets within seconds, releasing the active. In food, used in fast-dissolving supplements and some instant powdered drinks. Typical use 2–8% of tablet weight.
White to off-white powder, swells on water contact without dissolving. Stable in dry storage; pH-stable across the food and pharma range.
In the EU it is authorised as a food additive in only three food categories, each with a maximum level: table-top sweeteners in powder or tablet form (up to 50 g/kg) and solid food supplements such as tablets and capsules, excluding chewable forms (up to 30 g/kg); it is also permitted as a carrier in sweeteners. JECFA gives it an ADI 'not specified', grouped with the other modified celluloses.
Sources
- EFSA: Re-evaluation of celluloses E 460(i), E 460(ii), E 461, E 462, E 463, E 464, E 465, E 466, E 468 and E 469 as food additives (EFSA Journal 2018;16(1):5047), PMC full text — European Food Safety Authority (ANS Panel), 2018. EFSA 2018 re-evaluation; EU authorisation limited to three food categories with maximum levels
- WHO JECFA database: Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose / croscarmellose sodium (INS 468), ADI not specified (59th meeting, 2002) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, 2002. ADI not specified (group with modified celluloses)
- EU: Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 establishing the Union list of food additives (Annex II to Reg. 1333/2008), as adopted — European Union (Publications Office), 2011. EU maximum level in food supplements (30 g/kg)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.