Croscarmellose Sodium
The short version
Cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose — the standard disintegrant in pharmaceutical and supplement tablets.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
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.
How it's used
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.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe (EFSA 2018 re-evaluation). Not absorbed; behaves as insoluble dietary fiber.
Physical & chemical properties
White to off-white powder, swells on water contact without dissolving. Stable in dry storage; pH-stable across the food and pharma range.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted globally without restrictive limits.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.