Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
Cellulose (food additive E460) is a natural substance that forms the primary structural component of plant cell walls. It belongs to the group of polysaccharides and consists of glucopyranose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on Earth.
Natural cellulose is derived from wood, cotton, flax, and other plants. In the food industry, wood-derived cellulose is typically used, obtained by purifying wood pulp from lignin and other impurities through chemical or mechanical treatment.
There are two forms of food additive E460:
They differ in particle size but share similar properties and the same origin.
Effects on the Body
Benefits of additive E460
Cellulose is a dietary fiber that is not digested by the human body but plays an important role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. It improves intestinal peristalsis, prevents constipation, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Studies have shown that microcrystalline and powdered cellulose are partially fermented by the gut microbiota in the large intestine, which can have a positive impact on the microbiome balance.
Risks of additive E460
According to EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), additive E460 is considered safe for human consumption. It is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted from the body unchanged.
High dietary intake of cellulose (more than 10% of the diet) can lead to a slight reduction in weight gain in animals, but this is attributed to reduced nutrient absorption rather than toxicity.
No genotoxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic properties have been identified for cellulose. Human studies involving consumption of up to 35 g of microcrystalline or powdered cellulose per day have not shown any adverse effects on health.
Uses
Food additive E460 is used in the food industry as a filler, thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, and carrier for flavors and moisture.
The main functional properties of additive E460 include:
- ability to form gels and stabilize product structure;
- increasing viscosity of liquid and semi-solid products;
- preventing sugar crystallization in confectionery products;
- improving texture in low-calorie foods.
Additive E460 is used in the production of yogurts, desserts, sauces, mayonnaise, meat products, chewing gum, baked goods, and as a carrier for vitamin premixes.
Beyond the food industry, cellulose is also used in pharmaceuticals as a tablet filler, in cosmetics (creams, toothpastes), as well as in the textile, paper, paint, and construction industries.
Legal Status
Food additive E460 is approved for use in the European Union in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. It holds the status "ADI not specified," meaning there is no need to establish a numerical Acceptable Daily Intake limit.
In Ukraine and many other countries, emulsifier E460 is also permitted for use in the food industry. In the United States and Canada, cellulose is included in the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list of substances.