Other Oral & topical

Cellulose

Cellulose is a plant fiber used as a filler and binder in supplements.

Sci.Cellulose wood cellulose Cellulose Gum cellulose gel cellulose ph 102 Cellulose Gel cellulose ethers Cellulose ethers cellulose acetate cellulose acetate ester Cellulose acetate ester cellulose acetate phthalate Cellulose acetate phthalate Cellulose acetate cellulose silica Cellulose silica cellulose stearic acid Cellulose stearic acid methocel methocel cellulose methocel e5 methocel k methocel k-100 methocel k 15m methocel-k99 cellulose and cellulose derivatives cellulose esthers and composites cellulose ether cellulose ethers and composites Cellulose derivatives
11 forms
1.5 /5 avg.
Oral & topical

About Cellulose

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate and a primary component of plant cell walls. It is a non-digestible fiber that serves as a filler and binder in various supplement formulations, contributing to the structural integrity of tablets and capsules. As a plant-derived ingredient, cellulose is often used in dietary supplements to enhance texture and stability.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
8089

At a glance

Approval status

GRAS

Compare All Forms

11 forms

Compare supplement forms of Cellulose by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Cellulose
  • CAS: 9004-34-6
  • Label category: Natural (Plant fiber)
 — — — View →
Cellulose acetate — — — View →
Cellulose acetate ester — — — View →
Cellulose acetate phthalate — — — View →
Cellulose derivatives — — — View →
Cellulose ethers — — — View →
Cellulose ethers — — — View →
Cellulose Gel — — — View →
Cellulose Gum
  • Label category: Wood/cotton cellulose
 — — — View →
Cellulose silica — — — View →
Cellulose stearic acid — — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

Carboxymethyl Cellulose, CMC

Type: Other

Miscellaneous ingredients including fillers, binders, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and other additives found in supplements.

Absorption: Many of these ingredients are inert fillers or additives that may affect absorption of active ingredients.

Interactions: Some additives may have health concerns. Fillers may reduce absorption of other nutrients. Preservatives and artificial colors may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Cellulose forms:

Filler and Binder

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Cellulose forms:

Reduced Nutrient Absorption How serious: Mild Gastrointestinal Upset (rare) How serious: Mild

What does the research say?

Cellulose is recognized for its role in digestive health as a source of dietary fiber, although it does not provide nutritional value in terms of calories or essential nutrients. Its use in supplements is primarily for its functional properties rather than health benefits.