Is Cellulose Gum Harmful?

Tip

For most people, cellulose gum isn't harmful. However, the food additive has been identified as the cause of a severe allergic reaction in one recent case study.

All About Cellulose Gum

From baked goods to ice cream to tortillas, cellulose gum is found in many food items throughout your grocery store. But you may wonder what this unfamiliar ingredient really is. After all, it's not an item you use in your homemade baked goods.

Cellulose gum is a food additive manufacturers use as a thickening agent and food stabilizer to prolong shelf life. More specifically, the cellulose gum in your packaged cupcakes locks in moisture and keeps your sweet treat from going stale. It also thickens sauces so they're not watery when you pour them over your pasta.

Cellulose Gel Explained

Like cellulose gum, cellulose gel is a food additive. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, cellulose gel, also called microcrystalline cellulose, is used as a food stabilizer, as an emulsifier to keep fat and water from separating and as an anticaking agent to prevent formation of clumps. It's also made from plants, so you can consider cellulose gel vegan too.

Is Cellulose Gum Harmful?

Cellulose gum is unlikely to cause harm in most people. However, the food additive may be harmful if you're allergic to it. It may also exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in some people.

Tip

For the record, the cellulose gum added to your ice cream or packaged cupcakes may not have the same benefits. To improve gut health and reduce risk of chronic diseases like IBD, you may be better off getting your cellulose from whole foods, such as beans and vegetables.

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