Is Croscarmellose Sodium Bad For You? What Is It and Why Avoid It?

Finding the right pharmaceutical and supplement solutions to your needs requires knowing the right ingredients. Here is a guide on croscarmellose sodium in our Additives to Avoid Series.

• Know Your Ingredients
• What Is Croscarmellose Sodium?
• Why Is It Added to Some Supplements?
• Comparison to Other Ingredients
• Is Croscarmellose Sodium Safe?
• Does It Have Any Side Effects?
• Could I Be Allergic To Croscarmellose Sodium?
• Does Croscarmellose Sodium Raise Blood Pressure?
• Why You Should Avoid Supplements With Croscarmellose Sodium?
• Natural Alternatives to Croscarmellose Sodium
• Why Remedy's Nutrition® Never Uses Croscarmellose Sodium?
• What Makes Remedy's Nutrition® Different?
• Learn More About High-Quality (Additive-Free) Dietary Supplements

Know Your Ingredients

Nothing is worse than starting a new supplement routine, then finding out that it contains harmful ingredients. Unfortunately, this is more common than you would think. Many medications and supplements contain hidden ingredients such as croscarmellose sodium, which can do more harm than good.

According to a recent study, croscarmellose sodium has caused many allergic reactions, and the Food and Drug Administration still has it approved as an “inactive ingredient.” These reactions may include high blood pressure, swollen intestines, heart failure, and pulmonary edema. Data from scientific studies play a critical role in evaluating the safety of such ingredients and informing regulatory decisions.

The problem is…

• How can we be safe from the croscarmellose side effects?

• How do we know if croscarmellose is inside our medications and supplements?

• How does croscarmellose sodium work, exactly?

Keep reading to learn more. This article can help you avoid croscarmellose sodium, stay safe & healthy, and make the most out of your supplement routine.

It is important to look into current research to better understand the safety and potential risks associated with croscarmellose sodium.

Thankfully, we know how crucial it is to have clean and unambiguous answers, so we have created this guide to teach you everything you need to know about croscarmellose sodium and how to avoid it.

What is Croscarmellose Sodium?

Croscarmellose sodium, or sodium croscarmellose, is a cross-linked polymer of carboxymethylcellulose sodium (also known as sodium CMC in pharmaceutical excipients). It is a white, fibrous powder and is an ingredient used as a super disintegrant in pharmaceutical formulas.

It comes from wood pulp or cotton fibers and contains no sugar or starch content.

Croscarmellose Sodium at a Glance

Property	Description
Type	Pharmaceutical Excipient (Inactive Ingredient)
Primary Use	Superdisintegrant (helps tablets and capsules dissolve)
Source	Cross-linked polymer of carboxymethylcellulose, derived from wood pulp or cotton.
Key Feature	Highly hydrophilic; can absorb water and swell up to 20 times its size.
FDA Status	Approved for use in small quantities, but not without potential risks.

A super disintegrating agent is a unique formula designed to help the body break down complex substances such as tablets or capsules, ensuring the active ingredient is released efficiently in the body.

WOW! This stuff sounds amazing…

They are used for low levels in the solid dosage, usually between 1-10% solid, much lower than regular disintegrating agents.

Typically, these disintegrating agents are created to break up the tablet in the intestinal tract after oral dosing. In some cases, a coating may also be applied to the tablet to further control absorption and disintegration.

This helps the drug or supplement to be delivered effectively; however, the formulations are still relatively new and understudied for safety.

Croscarmellose sodium has been used widely in multiple pharmaceuticals and supplements because of its ability to expand up to 20 times its original size.

Because Croscarmellose sodium is hydrophilic, which means “water-loving”, it intends to extract fluids from the environment and pull it into the structure.

Croscarmellose sodium is also widely used in cosmetic and beauty products as well as food products.

Sounds great, right? Then why is there so much confusion around this additive?

Why is Croscarmellose Sodium Added to Some Supplements?

Our bodies are designed to break down molecules and eliminate foreign compounds. This means that it can be hard to absorb certain medications. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies created a compound to help your body absorb the benefits of the medications.

Unfortunately, this is not the whole truth. Croscarmellose Sodium as an ingredient is also used as a filler, to reduce costs for big pharma, which is an unintegral decision to preserve the bottom line.

Companies can choose how much Croscarmellose sodium they want to add to their products. The amount used is influenced by several factors, such as tablet composition, intended absorption site, and overall formulation design. Depending on where in the intestinal tract the manufacturer wants the formula to be absorbed, it will determine how much Croscarmellose sodium they use.

Additionally, Croscarmellose sodium and other disintegrant agents are used to help the tablet break down effectively. Without them, the active ingredients may not be absorbed effectively which would lower the effectiveness. By adjusting excipient types and amounts, there is also the possibility of developing customized drug delivery systems tailored to specific therapeutic needs.

In certain circumstances where the tablet is an essential medication, the inclusion of disintegrants could make a difference in someone’s health and well-being.

Some of the most common medications and types of drugs and supplements with croscarmellose sodium are:

• Acetaminophen

• Acetaminophen and Oxycodone

• Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone

• Acetaminophen and Codeine Phosphate

• Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride

• Clonazepam

• Naproxen

• Ibuprofen

• Percocet

• Mass Produced Supplements

This is not a medical disclaimer; however, we highly suggest that you become more aware of the ingredients in your medications. For instance, magnesium stearate, often used in supplements, is not tested for long-term human consumption and may hinder the absorption of vitamins.

Some drug and supplement manufacturers may focus more on production and add disintegrants like croscarmellose sodium to help with the timely breakdown in a cheap manner, ignoring any potential side effects for the end user.

So now down to the question you have been wanting to know…

Comparison to Other Ingredients

When it comes to supplement and medication formulations, croscarmellose sodium is just one of several commonly used excipients. It’s often compared to other disintegrants and fillers like magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide. Each of these ingredients plays a unique role in how tablets and capsules are produced and how they function in the body.

Common Supplement Additives Compared

Additive	Primary Function	Potential Concern
Croscarmellose Sodium	Disintegrant (helps tablets dissolve)	Can cause allergic reactions, intestinal blockage.
Magnesium Stearate	Flow Agent (prevents sticking during manufacturing)	May hinder nutrient absorption.
Microcrystalline Cellulose	Binder/Filler (provides tablet structure)	Not easily digested by the body.
Silicon Dioxide	Anti-Caking Agent (prevents clumping)	Health benefits are questionable; serves mainly as a filler.

Croscarmellose sodium is a cross linked polymer designed to help tablets break apart efficiently in the intestinal tract after oral administration, ensuring that active ingredients are released where they can be best absorbed. In contrast, magnesium stearate is primarily used as a flow agent to prevent ingredients from sticking during manufacturing, but it can sometimes hinder the proper absorption of vitamins and minerals in the stomach. Microcrystalline cellulose acts as a binder and filler, providing structure to tablets, but it is not always easily digested, which may impact the effectiveness of the supplement.

Silicon dioxide is another common additive, often used to prevent clumping and to give tablets and capsules their white color. However, its benefits for health and absorption are questionable, and it serves mainly as a filler rather than contributing to the effectiveness of the active ingredients.

Understanding the differences between these ingredients is essential for anyone looking to maximize the effectiveness of their supplements and medications. By being aware of what goes into your tablets and capsules, you can make more informed choices that support your health and ensure you’re getting the most benefit from the active ingredients.

Is Croscarmellose Sodium Safe?

Because croscarmellose sodium is a commonly used disintegrating agent, it means that it should be safe, right?

Wrong!

The Food and Drug Administration has only approved croscarmellose sodium in small amounts for medication and supplement usage.

If used in too high of quantities, it can cause harmful side effects.

In 2010, one woman was taken to the hospital for pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, and extremely high blood pressure. Upon investigation, doctors discovered that she was experiencing an allergic reaction to croscarmellose sodium. She also experienced an enlarged left ventricle, rashes all over the body, and multiple other health concerns.

Does Croscarmellose Sodium Have Any Side Effects?

Croscarmellose sodium does not have any official "side effects" unless you react to the additive directly.

Potential Risks Associated with Croscarmellose Sodium

Potential Risk	Description and Symptoms to Watch For
Anaphylactic Reactions	Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, especially if injected. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Intestinal Obstructions	The substance's ability to swell can lead to blockages. Watch for severe abdominal pain, bloating, and inability to pass gas or stool.
Overgrowth of Intestinal Flora	May disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially worsening conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and IBS.
Inefficient Supplement Delivery	Premature absorption of moisture can cause the tablet to dissolve in the stomach instead of the intestines, reducing its effectiveness.

It is also suggested that anyone with any intestinal conditions should avoid croscarmellose sodium altogether.

This additive may make it risky for those who are on the verge of a relapse of Crohn's and other conditions.

Could I Be Allergic to Croscarmellose Sodium?

There is a very slight chance that you could be allergic to croscarmellose sodium, and unfortunately, when you notice symptoms, you could already be suffering from severe complications.

Anaphylactic Reactions

Patients who have a slight sensitivity to croscarmellose sodium can go into anaphylactic shock if they receive an injection with the additive.

The problem is, not many people know that they have a sensitivity until it is too late.

One study found that two patients who received a cortisone injection with croscarmellose sodium as the additive immediately went into anaphylactic shock. Some patients may respond differently to medications containing croscarmellose sodium, resulting in varying degrees of allergic reactions, from mild symptoms to severe anaphylaxis.

The best way to avoid any allergic reactions is to pay attention to how your body is responding to medications with the croscarmellose sodium additive in them. If you are noticing any abdominal or intestinal pain, notify your doctor immediately.

Intestinal Obstructions

Because of its ability to absorb surrounding fluids and expand up to 20 times its size for better drug solubility, croscarmellose sodium can put you at risk for intestinal blockages. If you experience abdominal pain while taking any medications with croscarmellose sodium, speak to your doctor immediately.

Overgrowth of Intestinal Flora

While we may be taught to fear all bacteria, this is not entirely true, as intestinal bacteria is a crucial element of good health.

Intestinal, or gut microflora, are microorganisms and good bacteria that grow in your gut.

Our gut is like an ecosystem; it needs a proper balance of good and bad bacteria to function efficiently.

Therefore taking probiotics is an essential part of any health routine.

Unfortunately, some things can send our gut bacteria out of balance, causing a significant overgrowth and unbalance of harmful bacteria.

This overgrowth causes Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Many health researchers have found a correlation between croscarmellose sodium and intestinal flora overgrowth.

Inefficient Supplement Delivery

Croscarmellose sodium is popularly used among pharmaceutical manufacturers because of its ability to extract water from its environment. However, this same benefit can also make it dangerous.

If someone leaves the medication out without the lid, this additive will absorb moisture out of the air.

This premature absorption causes the medication to be broken down and released into the stomach instead of the intestines. This could either make the drug stronger or weaker, depending on the drug or the rate of absorption.

If this drug is essential for your health, this could lead to severe implications.

Does Croscarmellose Sodium Raise Blood Pressure?

Sodium is an essential mineral for proper nerve and muscle function. Yet, too much sodium (also known as hypernatremia) can negatively impact blood pressure levels.

Because croscarmellose sodium does not contain much sodium, it does not officially raise blood pressure levels.

That being said, if you react to it, your blood pressure will elevate to help pump more blood to remove the compounds, which inadvertently raises your blood pressure.

Why Should I Avoid Supplements With Croscarmellose Sodium?

Many low-grade, mass-produced supplements contain croscarmellose sodium in their synthetic vitamins and minerals. Some low-quality supplements may include this additive as a cheap filler ingredient, prioritizing cost over consumer health.

These synthetic compounds can prevent the body from absorbing any of the ingredients. Some low-grade supplements contain synthetic compounds which can harm the absorption of actual nutrients, reducing their effectiveness.

This is because every cell within our bodies has receptor sites that detect which combination it recognizes and approves or rejects accordingly.

If it does not recognize it, you may be putting your health at risk, especially if you are deficient in that vitamin or mineral.

This also leads to a waste of money because you are purchasing low-grade supplements that are not doing their job. Additionally, microcrystalline cellulose, another common filler, is not ideally digested by the body, further reducing the supplement's effectiveness.

Natural Alternatives to Croscarmellose Sodium

If you’re looking to avoid croscarmellose sodium in your supplements, you’ll be glad to know there are natural alternatives available that can serve similar functions in tablet and capsule formulations. Corn starch is a popular choice, acting as both a filler and a disintegrant to help tablets break down properly in the intestinal tract. This allows the active ingredients to be released and absorbed more effectively.

Additionally, natural fibers like psyllium and methylcellulose are increasingly used in supplements as gentle, plant-based disintegrants. These ingredients not only help with the breakup of tablets but can also support digestive health. Some manufacturers are turning to plant-based starches such as tapioca or potato starch, which are well-tolerated and can reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Choosing supplements that use these natural alternatives can help minimize your exposure to synthetic additives, promote a healthier gut, and ensure that you’re getting the full benefit of the active ingredients in your supplements.

Manufacturer Transparency: What to Look for in Supplement Labels

When shopping for supplements, transparency from manufacturers is key to ensuring both safety and effectiveness. Always check the supplement label for a complete list of ingredients, including any additives like croscarmellose sodium. Reputable brands will clearly disclose all components, so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body.

Look for third-party verification marks, such as those from NSF International or the National Science Foundation, which indicate that the supplement has been independently tested for quality and purity. This is especially important if you are taking certain medications, as undisclosed additives can interact with your prescriptions or impact the effectiveness of the supplement.

It’s also essential to be aware of FDA guidelines for supplement labeling. Products that comply with these regulations are more likely to be safe and effective. By staying informed and reading labels carefully, you can reduce your risk of unwanted side effects and make choices that truly support your health.

Understanding the Regulatory Environment for Supplement Additives

The regulatory landscape for supplement additives like croscarmellose sodium can be confusing. In the United States, the FDA oversees the safety of dietary supplements and the ingredients used in their formulations. However, the FDA’s authority is somewhat limited, as manufacturers are largely responsible for ensuring their products meet safety and quality standards.

Croscarmellose sodium is currently listed as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it’s permitted for use in supplements and medications. However, this designation doesn’t guarantee that it’s safe for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions or those taking specific medications. Additionally, the FDA relies on manufacturers to follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs), but not all companies adhere to the same standards of quality.

Because of these regulatory gaps, it’s essential for consumers to stay informed about the additives in their supplements and to choose brands that prioritize transparency and rigorous quality control. By doing so, you can better protect your health and ensure that the supplements you take are both safe and effective.

Why Remedy's Nutrition® Never Uses Croscarmellose Sodium in our Supplements

Remedy's Nutrition® will never use additives such as croscarmellose sodium because we use only the purest ingredients in our supplement formulations. For instance, we avoid preservatives like potassium sorbate, which is often used in supplements but is advised to be avoided for better health.

Additives Avoided by Remedy's Nutrition®

Additive	Reason to Avoid
Croscarmellose Sodium	Potential for allergic reactions and intestinal issues.
Titanium Dioxide	Banned in Europe as a food additive due to safety concerns. Used for color.
Potassium Sorbate	A synthetic preservative that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Talc	Associated with health risks, including potential contamination with asbestos.
Silicon Dioxide	A common filler with questionable health benefits that is best avoided.

Other supplement brands may source from low-grade or inferior ingredients because it is cheaper and easier to produce. However, talc, found in some supplements, is associated with cancer risk and should be avoided. Not our M.O.

Please remember this simple fact: Keeping your digestive system in balance can help you better utilize the nutrients you take in from food and supplements. For example, titanium dioxide, banned in Europe due to potential links to cancer, is still allowed in North America and should be avoided.

This can help maintain your health and improve your life.

Avoiding additives like croscarmellose sodium can only help to improve your overall health. Similarly, silicon dioxide, commonly used as a filler in supplements, may pose health concerns and is best avoided.

To help maintain your gut health, we recommend you take Superzymes™ and 35 Billion Probiotic for one month at least once a year.

What Makes Remedy's Nutrition® Different?

What separates Remedy's Nutrition® from other supplement brands is the integrity behind our products. 'Quality, Purity, Pride' is not just our slogan, it's our way of life.

There is much investigation behind each source of our supplements and personal care products. Quality supplements are typically made from whole food ingredients, avoiding harmful additives, to ensure better absorption and health benefits.

All our products have been tested by a third party for Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, and Arsenic to ensure they are safe for consumption. Third-party testing ensures that supplements are free from harmful substances, providing an extra layer of safety and quality assurance.

One more added step for your safety and protection.

Some of our top sellers include:

• Superzymes™ Capsules

• 35 Billion Probiotic Capsules

• Ultimate Detox™ Capsules

• Super Diabe Caps™

• Calm Surfer™ Capsules and Tincture

• Happy Surfer™ Capsules and Tincture

• Mega Sleep™ Capsules

• Mega VMT™ | High Dose Daily Multivitamin

• Deeper Sleep™ Capsules, Tincture, and Tea

We also have essential oils, daily essential vitamins, and herbal blends.

Learn More About High-Quality (Additive-Free) Dietary Supplements

Now that you know more about sneaky additives in most supplements and medications, you probably wonder where to find supplements that are safe and free of croscarmellose sodium and other additives.

Thankfully, Remedy's Nutrition® produces the highest-quality supplements on the market at surprisingly affordable prices.

All of our all-natural products are third-party tested for the purity and integrity of each ingredient.

You can feel good, shopping at Remedy's Nutrition®, Guaranteed thanks to our 100% Risk-Free, Satisfaction Guarantee and our commitment to Quality, Purity, and Pride.