Are supplement excipients safe?
Excipients are substances added to supplements to facilitate manufacturing, improve stability, enhance bioavailability, modify the physical characteristics and reduce cost. Here are some common ones:
Fillers & Binders
Help maintain the shape and form of supplement tablets and capsules
Include Microcrystalline cellulose; Dicalcium phosphate; Calcium carbonate; Magnesium stearate; Silicon dioxide
Potential for allergic reactions; Digestive issues; Concerns about the safety / purity of their source
Flow Agents
Prevent ingredients from clumping and help ensure uniform distribution within
Include Magnesium stearate; Silicon dioxide; Calcium stearate
Potentially contain allergens or synthetic additives; Digestive discomfort; Concerns about long-term health effects
Coatings
Applied to tablets to improve appearance, taste and swallowability, and protect ingredients from moisture and oxidation
Include Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC); Polyethylene glycol (PEG); Shellac; Titanium dioxide
Potentially cause allergic reactions/intolerances; May contain synthetic chemicals or additives; Concerns about their source and safety
Disintegrants
Help tablets and capsules break down and release contents once ingested, facilitating absorption
Include Croscarmellose sodium; Crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose; Sodium starch glycolate
May cause gastrointestinal discomfort or digestive issues; Concerns about safety and potential interactions with other ingredients; Potential sensitivities
Preservatives
Added to extend shelf life and prevent microbial contamination
Include Vitamin E (tocopherols); Ascorbic acid (vit C); Potassium sorbate; Sodium benzoate (may be synthetic)
Risk of allergic reactions/sensitivities; Concerns about the safety and long-term health effects of synthetic additives; Potential for adverse reactions or
Colourants
Used to enhance appearance and differentiation
Include Titanium dioxide; Iron oxides; FD&C dyes (FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6)
May contain allergens or synthetic additives; Concerns about the long-term health effects of artificial dyes; Potential for allergic reactions / intolerances
Flavouring Agents
Added to improve taste, especially in chewable tablets, gummies, or powdered formulations
Include Natural flavours (fruits, herbs, spices); Artificial flavours; Sweeteners (sucralose, stevia, sorbitol)
Risk of allergic reactions / sensitivities; May contain synthetic chemicals or additives; Concerns about their safety and source
The message?
Read supplement labels carefully.
Also, food-based ones are usually better as your body doesn’t have to put valuable resources into converting them so they’re useable, or into detoxing them.
The cheaper the supplement, the less active ingredients and the more excipients.