Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC):
- Uses: Binder, film former, controlled-release agent.
- Functions: Provides stability and controlled release in pharmaceuticals.
- Safety: Generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose:
- Uses: Binder, coating agent.
- Functions: Improves tablet stability and dissolution.
- Safety: Considered safe with low toxicity.
Natural Safflower and Lemon:
- Uses: Natural colourants and flavouring agents.
- Functions: Provide natural colour and flavour to products.
- Safety: Generally safe when used as food additives.
Calcium Carbonate:
-
Uses: Antacid, calcium supplement.
-
Functions: Provides calcium, acts as a bulking agent.
- Safety: Generally safe, but excessive intake can cause hypercalcaemia.
Microcrystalline Cellulose:
- Uses: Filler, binder.
-
Functions: Adds bulk and stability to tablets.
- Safety: Considered safe, minimal toxicity.
Stearic Acid:
- Uses: Lubricant.
- Functions: Prevents tablet ingredients from sticking to equipment.
- Safety: Generally safe in small amounts.
Magnesium Stearate:
-
Uses: Lubricant.
-
Functions: Improves tablet flow during manufacturing.
- Safety: Safe at typical usage levels, but high doses may affect nutrient absorption.
Silicon Dioxide:
-
Uses: Anti-caking agent.
-
Functions: Prevents clumping of powder ingredients.
- Safety: Generally safe, minimal toxicity.
Cellulose:
-
Uses: Filler, binder.
-
Functions: Adds bulk and stability to tablets.
- Safety: Safe, non-digestible dietary fibre.
Hypromellose (HPMC):
-
Uses: Binder, film former.
-
Functions: Provides stability and controlled release.
- Safety: GRAS by the FDA.
Silica:
-
Uses: Anti-caking agent.
-
Functions: Prevents clumping.
- Safety: Safe, minimal toxicity.
Sodium Croscarmellose:
-
Uses: Disintegrant.
-
Functions: Helps tablets dissolve for better absorption.
- Safety: Generally safe.
Polydextrose:
-
Uses: Filler, fibre supplement.
-
Functions: Adds bulk and improves texture.
- Safety: Generally safe, well-tolerated.
Titanium Dioxide Colour:
-
Uses: White pigment.
-
Functions: Colours tablets and capsules.
- Safety: Generally safe, but under scrutiny for potential health effects when inhaled.
Riboflavin Colour:
-
Uses: Yellow colourant (Vitamin B2).
-
Functions: Colours tablets and provides nutritional value.
- Safety: Safe, essential nutrient.
Talc:
-
Uses: Glidant.
-
Functions: Improves powder flow.
- Safety: Generally safe, concerns about inhalation.
Maltodextrin:
-
Uses: Filler, stabiliser.
-
Functions: Adds bulk, improves texture.
- Safety: Generally safe, high GI may affect blood sugar.
Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs):
-
Uses: Absorption enhancer, energy source.
-
Functions: Improves nutrient absorption, provides quick energy.
- Safety: Generally safe, well-tolerated
References
● FDA. (n.d.). Food Additive Status List. Retrieved from FDA website.
● EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). (2017). Re evaluation of hydroxypropyl cellulose (E 463) as a food additive.
● PubChem. (n.d.). Safflower oil. Retrieved from PubChem website.
● PubChem. (n.d.). Lemon. Retrieved from PubChem website.
● NIH. (n.d.). Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age. Retrieved from NIH website. ● WHO. (n.d.). Microcrystalline cellulose. Retrieved from WHO website.
● EFSA. (2015). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of stearic acid (E 570) as a food additive.
● EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS). (2017). Re-evaluation of magnesium stearate (E 470b) as a food additive.
● EFSA. (2018). Safety of silicon dioxide as a food additive.
● FDA. (n.d.). Cellulose as a food additive. Retrieved from FDA website.
● EMA. (2017). Sodium croscarmellose as an excipient in medicinal products.
● EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). (2018). Safety of polydextrose as a novel food.
● IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. (2010). Titanium dioxide.
●NIH. (n.d.). Riboflavin (Vitamin B2). Retrieved from NIH website.
● IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. (2010). Talc. ● NIH. (n.d.). Maltodextrin. Retrieved from NIH website.
● NIH. (n.d.). Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). Retrieved from NIH website
