Are supplement excipients safe?

what are excipients?

Excipients are added to supplements to facilitate manufacturing, improve stability, enhance bioavailability, modify the physical characteristics and reduce cost.

Here are some common ones and concerns about them

Fillers & Binders
- Maintain shape and form
- Eg Microcrystalline cellulose; Dicalcium phosphate; Calcium carbonate; Magnesium stearate; Silicon dioxide
- Allergic reactions; Digestive issues; Source safety / purity
Flow Agents
- Prevent ingredients from clumping
- Eg Magnesium stearate; Silicon dioxide; Calcium stearate
- May contain allergens / synthetics; Digestive discomfort; Long-term health
Coatings
- Improve appearance, taste, swallowability of tablets, protect from moisture / oxidation
- Eg Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC); Polyethylene glycol (PEG); Shellac; Titanium dioxide
- Allergic reactions / intolerances; Synthetics / additives; Source / safety concerns
Disintegrants
- Help tablets and capsules break down and release contents once ingested
- Eg Croscarmellose sodium; Crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose; Sodium starch glycolate
- Gut discomfort / digestive issues; Potential interactions with other ingredients; Sensitivities
Preservatives
- Added to extend shelf life and prevent microbial contamination
- Include vit E; vit C; Potassium sorbate; Sodium benzoate (may be synthetic)
- Allergic reactions / sensitivities; Long-term health effects of synthetics concerns; Adverse reactions
Colourants
- Enhance appearance and differentiation
- Eg Titanium dioxide; Iron oxides; FD&C dyes (FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6)
- Long-term health effects concerns; Allergic reactions / intolerances
Flavouring Agents
- Improve taste eg chewable tablets, gummies, powders
- Eg Natural flavours (fruits, herbs, spices); Artificial flavours; Sweeteners (sucralose, stevia, sorbitol)
- Allergic reactions / sensitivities; May contain synthetics / additives