Croscarmellose Sodium

Also known as: CCS, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose sodium, Ac-Di-Sol, superdisintegrant

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Tablet excipient that helps pills break apart quickly. Not an active supplement ingredient.

What it does

Croscarmellose sodium (CCS) is a chemically modified cellulose used as a 'superdisintegrant' in tablets and capsules. It absorbs water rapidly and swells, causing tablets to break apart within...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose as a supplement active ingredient
Found in

NOW Horny Goat Weed Extract, 750 mg, Viviscal Women's Hair Growth Supplement, Amazing Formulas Women's One Multiple

What the Science Says

Croscarmellose sodium (CCS) is a chemically modified cellulose used as a 'superdisintegrant' in tablets and capsules. It absorbs water rapidly and swells, causing tablets to break apart within seconds to minutes so the active ingredients can be released and absorbed. It is a manufacturing aid, not an active supplement ingredient — it has no known biological effect on the person taking it.

What It Doesn't Do

It does not provide any health benefit on its own. It is not a fiber supplement. It does not improve digestion, gut health, or nutrient absorption directly. It has no anti-inflammatory, immune, or cognitive effects. Any product marketing CCS as an active ingredient is misleading you.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Causes tablets to break apart rapidly — often within seconds — when they contact water.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 5-10% w/w in tablet formulations

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 41759974 PMID 40271427 PMID 39278333

Improves release of active ingredients from tablets by promoting fast disintegration.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 5-10% w/w in tablet formulations

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 11448052 PMID 41015097 PMID 40829707

Absorption & Bioavailability

Not applicable — CCS is not intended to be absorbed. It functions mechanically in the tablet and passes through the gut.

Red Flags to Watch For

If a product lists croscarmellose sodium as a featured 'active' ingredient, that is a red flag — it is only a manufacturing excipient
No clinical trials exist on CCS as a standalone supplement; all research involves it as a tablet-making aid
Presence in 1,000+ registered supplement products reflects its near-universal use as a filler/disintegrant, not evidence of health benefit
Some individuals with cellulose sensitivities may want to note its presence, though safety data in the provided studies shows no toxicity concerns at typical excipient levels

Products Containing Croscarmellose Sodium

See how Croscarmellose Sodium is used in these analyzed products:

NOW Horny Goat Weed Extract, 750 mg

Supplement

Misleading

Viviscal Women's Hair Growth Supplement

Supplement

Mostly Legit

Amazing Formulas Women's One Multiple

Supplement

Mostly Legit

View all product reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Croscarmellose Sodium do?

Tablet excipient that helps pills break apart quickly. Not an active supplement ingredient.

What is the effective dose of Croscarmellose Sodium?

No established dose as a supplement active ingredient

Is Croscarmellose Sodium safe?

If a product lists croscarmellose sodium as a featured 'active' ingredient, that is a red flag — it is only a manufacturing excipient

What doesn't Croscarmellose Sodium do?

It does not provide any health benefit on its own.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25