Anyone Here Sensitive To Fillers Such As Cellulose?

[Lucylou2013]

On ‎6‎/‎30‎/‎2017 at 7:20 AM, Ennis_TX said:

Well this just explained a metric ton of my issues....wax veggies make me puke, condiments with cellulose gel in them make me puke, certain medications make me puke, certain powder mixes do, etc. I never made that connection but yes I do get a itchy rash when they put ECG electrodes on me. Here I thought it was the fact I have a corn allergen and perhaps they were corn derived never thought of the pine thing, might have to have that checked.

Xantham gum has the EXACT same reaction as the cellulose gel/cellulose fiber issue. I puke a few hours after ingesting it with a bunch of mucus like film I thought it was just a inability to digest it.

 

I am GLUTEN/CORN FREE and not able to take Paediatric liquid meds because they contain CORN/MAIZE based derivitaves unfortunately otherwise that would be my problem solved with fillers starches and additives, how I wish. I always check the so called INACTIVE INGREDIENTS to find out hidden additives. CELLULOSE/FIBRE/GEL/GUM comes from plant fibres, (Corn, Pine, and others),  which is also nearon impossible for people like myself who are HYPOTHYROID to digest and so the reason for my awful reactions.

Edited November 26, 2017 by Lucylou2013
I wanted to add some more information in answer.

[cyclinglady]

30 minutes ago, Lucylou2013 said:

I am GLUTEN/CORN FREE and not able to take Paediatric liquid meds because they contain CORN/MAIZE based derivitaves unfortunately otherwise that would be my problem solved with fillers starches and additives, how I wish. I always check the so called INACTIVE INGREDIENTS to find out hidden additives. CELLULOSE/FIBRE/GEL/GUM comes from plant fibres, (Corn, Pine, and others),  which is also nearon impossible for people like myself who are HYPOTHYROID to digest and so the reason for my awful reactions.

Are you actually hypothyroid?  If so, you should consult your doctor about thyroid hormone replacement.  

[Lucylou2013]

On 28/01/2008 at 10:00 AM, Flo BInks said:

I'm so glad to know that I am not the only one who reacts to cellulose, in whatever form. I get the same reactions as I get to gluten, except no D. It turns up everywhere, even in a lot of gluten-free foods. Its a big problem because most medications use it as a filler.

 

The manufacturers claim it is gluten free; I've even seen it suggested on celiac sites as a "safe" filler.

I am reacting to cellulose in all my meds...a horrendous journey and a lengthy one. After having my second compound script done in Vegie capsules I have found out the capsule is made with Hydroxypropylmethyl callulose as one of the ingredients. I have intense burning pain from neck to tailbone, peripheral neuropathy up to my knees, burning insides and diarrhea. Been off my meds for a month now trying to sort it, not fun. Waiting another 6 wks yet to see allergist. I am also gluten free and these symptoms are same as gluten.

Edited November 28, 2017 by Lucylou2013
Wanted to include cellulose name

[Lucylou2013]

On 05/01/2010 at 11:53 AM, Lgood22573 said:

WOw- I cannot believe I found this topic. I was searching cellulose!!!! Every single time I eat it, I get immediate bone pain, making me sick. I can't figure out what the heck it is and why it is in everything I eat from cheese to my cold medicine. I'll eat something I think is safe then BAM bone pain and then go read and there it is AGAIN cellulose! I'm so glad you posted that info! I am on synthroid for my thyroid meds I don't know what's in it, I guess I should do some research.

Pleased to meet you but sad you have this problem. I too am having cellulose issues and the BONE PAIN IS AWFUL, all the way down my body from neck to hips, tailbone and groin with awful pain when sitting, not to mention sleeping and stiffness AND diarroa. The symptoms are the same as my gluten attacks. Yes its in EVERYTHING,  Pharmacueticals,  foods and YES, also completely indigestible to humans. Now waiting for 6 wks to see Allergist. Manufacturers are killing us just to prolong shelf life and make money. 

[Awol cast iron stomach]

On 11/27/2017 at 7:20 PM, Lucylou2013 said:

I am reacting to cellulose in all my meds...a horrendous journey and a lengthy one. After having my second compound script done in Vegie capsules I have found out the capsule is made with Hydroxypropylmethyl callulose as one of the ingredients. I have intense burning pain from neck to tailbone, peripheral neuropathy up to my knees, burning insides and diarrhea. Been off my meds for a month now trying to sort it, not fun. Waiting another 6 wks yet to see allergist. I am also gluten free and these symptoms are same as gluten.

Lucy Lou,

If it is a med you can not go without can you ask the pharmacist if you can open the capsule and remove the contents and adding to and taking it with applesauce, yogurt, pudding or some other food that is soft and you are tolerant to, to mask the taste. 

It may not taste pleasant but may get you around the cellulose issue. Depends on the level of sensitivity. If the cellulose is only in capsule it might work.

if that won't work:

Lastly, you can look into empty beef or fish gelatin based capsules. Some supplement companies sell them. Double check they are just pure beef or fish gelatin and they don't add additional agents. You then can maybe fill them with your own powder or bring them to a compounding pharmacist if you have one.

 

good luck

[emr-rmt]

On 27/11/2017 at 8:20 PM, Lucylou2013 said:

I am reacting to cellulose in all my meds...a horrendous journey and a lengthy one. After having my second compound script done in Vegie capsules I have found out the capsule is made with Hydroxypropylmethyl callulose as one of the ingredients. I have intense burning pain from neck to tailbone, peripheral neuropathy up to my knees, burning insides and diarrhea. Been off my meds for a month now trying to sort it, not fun. Waiting another 6 wks yet to see allergist. I am also gluten free and these symptoms are same as gluten.

I am so happy (in that sick, weird sort of way) to hear you describe your symptoms. Are you confirmed celiac? I am not, and just joined this forum today to try to find more answers. 

 

Three+ weeks ago I started taking a new vitamin, a timed released methylated B complex. I had a horrible five days until I realised what had caused it and cut it out. It felt like I had swallowed an industrial strength plastic shredder and all the plastic to go with it. It also caused a flare up of long-managed candida. The ingredient listed: "hypromelose SR agent."  A week later I returned to taking a different brand I have used for years. Started to react the same way. Even removing the contents from the capsule didnt help.  Its filler ingredient list includes "microcrystilline cellulose." At least I caught the reaction early enough, I didn't suffer too badly.  Four days ago I picked up my usual prescriptions including my allergy meds, which I had been without for almost a month (because I'm lazy like that.)  I noticed the pharmacy had switched back to the manufacturer I first had when I started on this Rx last year at this time. I took one dose divided into two between 3 and 9pm. By 10pm my legs were cramping like crazy - the same way they get when I've had gluten. Got up the next morning, and my leg muscles were sore from cramping so hard. Took one more half dose around 10am of the allergy pill (which is 10mg) and by 12 I was in full blown gastric distress. Mote than 48hrs later I'm still recovering. The description you use of your insides feeling hot and that you react the same way to gluten really stood out to me. My last reaction to cellulose is exactly how I react to gluten, and also tapioca. First my legs start to cramp, then my guts begin to roll. It feels hot, and I feel like I am both constipated and have a strong, urgent need to void. My belly bloats like crazy, and the gas noises rolling along my lower intestines are audible to anyone sitting near me. I also noticed with the initial reaction that I had the same joint pain and creaking/crunching knees I had for decades before I cut out gluten. 

I'm so glad I'm not alone in this. Most doctors I have seen over the past nine years think I'm nuts. 

[Sadjack]

I was chemically poisoned in 2006 on five occasions, it was found I had positive reactions to Formaldehyde which led to Hypertensive Anaphylaxis with Cellulose. HPMC, Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in the gluten free diet, Hypromellose as a coating on medications, also coloured paints the list is endless. In the mean time I have discovered that wheat and barley are sprayed with Glyphosate two weeks before harvest a, to kill the plant and increase the yield. A gut biopsy of Reduced folds d2 is only an indication of gut damage and HLA-DQ2 40% of the population has. The increased use of Glyphosate goes parrall to increased Coeliac Disease. Glyphosate’s end product is Formaldehyde. Well worth thinking about.

[Roberta S]

I can't believe others have the same problems I have.  I know we have all had a long and painful road to getting a diagnosis and then to go gluten-free and still have problems is disheartening.   I found out that the reaction to cellulose is a symptom of IBS-D for some people, and I now suspect I also have that, which complicates matters immensely.  I tried the FODMAPS diet which is gluten free AND IBS-D diet and have been helped immensely (with the exception of still getting DH rash).  I have been checking food labels, but eating out can be perilous.   And I just found out that most of the RXs and supplements I take have cellulose, which is a "don't eat this" for me.  Sometimes it seems like you just can't win!

[Ennis-TX]

3 hours ago, Roberta S said:

I can't believe others have the same problems I have.  I know we have all had a long and painful road to getting a diagnosis and then to go gluten-free and still have problems is disheartening.   I found out that the reaction to cellulose is a symptom of IBS-D for some people, and I now suspect I also have that, which complicates matters immensely.  I tried the FODMAPS diet which is gluten free AND IBS-D diet and have been helped immensely (with the exception of still getting DH rash).  I have been checking food labels, but eating out can be perilous.   And I just found out that most of the RXs and supplements I take have cellulose, which is a "don't eat this" for me.  Sometimes it seems like you just can't win!

Trick with the capsules made of cellulose....dump them into a small medicine cup toss the cellulose pill shells and down the powder and chase with a drink. I do this with most of mine...nasty and I have to mix a sweetener in with it sometimes but lets me take them without the vomiting of that weird film that forms from me eating it.

[Tina S]

Just to let people know that cellulose is also a derivative of wood pulp. It is commonly used in foods and medicines as a preservative. Here is the website that gives a little bit of the detail. I am allergic to fresh cut would therefore I really check my stuff. I also switched from my thyroid medication to a brand new one that only has a gelcap and the thyroid medication in it.https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20457107/31-foods-that-contain-sawdust/

Edited January 27, 2019 by Tina S

[Leaky gut - wood pulp]

I agree! Ingredient listed as “hypoallergenic plant fiber (cellulose)” on the package made me feel awful for a week and being I am currently dealing with leaky gut issues, believe this along with pine wood pulp and all its unmentioned chemicals went straight to my blood stream where it doesn’t belong and seemed my liver was not enjoying this at all.

If you have leaky gut you need to get it resolved bc it’s a waste of livelihood and leads to further disease such as liver or auto-immune conditions. Make sure you find a good multivitamin, spore probiotic, and get plenty of omega 3s and nutrients.

[Mittens11111]

My son has been sick for several years, we knew it was food related.  He had allergy testing done and was not allergic to anything.  He went on an elimination diet. Went gluten free got sicker.  After alot of investigating realised he is intolerant to the different types of cellulose, they are typically numbered e460 through to e469.  They have many different names MCC, CMC, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, sodium salt and so many more.  This ingredient is in almost every pre-made gluten free food as an emulsifier.  It is also in many toothpastes, moisturizers, soaps, shampoos and so much more. My son has been so sick, no energy, eczema rashes all over his arms, abdo pains so severe he can't stand, diarrhoea, sore throat, nausea, vomiting.  I cut this ingredient out of my sons diet - started to make all his baked goods or bread from scratch ensuring no ingredient contained cellulose.  Changed to a brand of toothpaste with no cellulose, made his moisturiser, shampoo, changed to Dr Bronner's soaps and products.  Within a few days his eczema started to go, he looked healthier and clearly felt better.  I think that alot of people out there are unaware that cellulose is in almost everything we use and eat and that it can make you so sick.  Thank you for this post, this is not a well known problem and I am certain cellulose is effecting numerous individuals out there.  Also a note to anyone manufacturing gluten free products - if a person needs to go gluten free they already have bowel inflammation or digestive problems.  Please stop putting cellulose emulsifiers in your products - you don't need to!!!!! and you are making people sicker by doing so.

[Maria.passynk]

On 10/30/2007 at 12:45 PM, covsooze said:

Hi Deb

I have a similar problem, but I think the ingredient I'm reacting to is magnesium sterate. I'm going to be patch tested in a couple of weeks time. Is this something you could do? It does sound like an allergic reaction that you're having. It is difficult to find stuff on the internet about this.

Susie

I am also very allergic to magnesium stearate!!! Get extremely constipated anytime I consume vitamins with it which are like 99% on the market... maybe cellulose as well which is derived from pine and spruce trees.

 

I also know I have serious leaky gut problems & histamine intolerance. Please help guys!!!

[Laura2355684]

I just got tested for different allergies and found out I was allergic to birch and oak. Upon learning this, my doctor said to stay away from Cellulose in things like cheese and any vitamins I may be taking as cellulose may come from wood pulp of birch or oak. Thought I’d just share as I’m having a hard time finding anything on it. 

[Maria.passynk]

I am highly allergic to both magnesium stearate and cellulose in vitamins and supplements!! My digestive system is dead after any ingestion with those 2 ingredients & i get immediate severe constipation! & That is because they are both corn derived!!! 

[TashaR]

Hi Everyone

Ive been suffering with a cellulose allergy for 7mths now, worked out what it was about 3 mths ago.

Im struggling big time knowing what to eat. I know it’s a learning curve but I check ingredients and think I’m doing well and then I wake the next morning blown up like a balloon.

i even tried Chinese herbal remedies and they made me react (just the herbs, no capsule).

Its ridiculous and I’m so fed up.

But in saying that it’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one, Drs, naturopaths have never heard of this allergy.

(sigh)

[Chris Bessy]

 

hello, I speak French but I only found this website that talks about the effects of cellulose or gluten so I use the google translator for my text. I am not celiac but I have a lot of inflammation when I eat gluten so I don't tolerate it very well. For two years I started to take capsules for magnesium or for candidiasis etc. I began to have moments with very special reactions, such as having problems walking well or even digesting problems when I avoided gluten. I just thought about cellulose a few weeks ago because my symptoms have become too important and I take a lot of capsules for vitamins etc. Do any of you have significant symptoms with gluten and also with cellulose ? Today I have pain everywhere, memory loss, some little red circles on my skin, .... the doctors can't find anything so I hope it's not all this cellulose that I swallowed for 2 years ...

[Boss2u]

Microcrystalline cellulose...yes that is a very problematic substance for some. I don't have celiac disease but joined the group for the conversation on microcrystalline cellulose. I read through the different comments and symptoms experienced by some and I have had the same experience. Very constant palpitations and chest pain being the top two symptoms for me. It is not derived from corn, as one suggested but it is a filler derived from wood pulp. It is listed as harmless, which may be true for most people but there are a few that have a very significant reaction when microcrystalline cellulose is injested. It is crazy that it was completely removed from Web MD and its darn near impossible to find any information describing human effects. I want to tell you just as others have said, it can be and is very dangerous for certain people.. I also avoid it in any medications. Just like others here, this was how I was able to pinpoint the issue. I wish that I knew a way of making the issues about microcrystalline cellulose more readily available when searched. It does make me wonder why the very few sites that come up with information about it seem to vanish rather quickly. Years ago when I first found out about this reaction, there was literally only one lpost that I could find on the internet. This post was s leter from a patient's allergists office, on their letterhead, which stad that the patient had a reaction to microcrystalline cellulose. I wish I could do more to get the word out. We are having actual negative reactions to these fillers that our government labels as safe. Just my 2 cents worth. Lucylou213

[Chandra104]

Hi everyone,  i found this thread and site when i when was looking for anyone that gets reactions from cellulose. I have had frequent urination that pops up due to things i take and eat and have narrowed it all down to certain foods and now additives.  Cellulose and glycerin. My theory is that as we have antibiotics and kill bacteria that breaks down food its possible that the ones that break down certain additives may have been killed and now those additives cannot be broken down in my system and are now bladder irritants. It seems certain foods and spices last awhile in my body and there is a noticeable feeling in my bladder during and after that seems to react as the additives are leaving my body. I have had 14 rounds of antibitics from October 2017 up to February 2019 when i realized i was allergic to glycerin in products that were causing utis. Since then my food allergies and additive sensitivities have increased over the months.  When i could eat pineapple in 2018 I cannot now.  Even this idea of tannin sensitivity could relate as i cannot have anything but lactose free milk and water in order to stay free from being frequent every hour and half for days. So in my findings... yes most vitamins are cellulose and glycerin and i have been lucky to locate some without.  Even in the label they say they have eliminated the additives that cause upset stomach. So with this thread I am realizing that the binders and fillers are the additives. 

The vitamins i find without are from all solar and i found them in amazon. The other thing i had to do was eliminate all cellulose and glycerin things and I found whole foods seems to have products that don't seem to have these additives in them.. luckily. The next one i am going to look at is the magnesium stearate..i notice it is in something i take here and there. 

I am glad to see this thread and am very sorry to hear about these devastating things that some of you are dealing with.  For me it seems just an effect where my body is saying.. hey that's fake we don't like it... and it doesn't get digested and causes problems with whatever is the result upon exit.  So I have the idea that acid in the body and the way the acid must still be present upon exit could be why. 

 

I will definately keep up with this thread as I feel very validated for what 2 drs said was in my head already. 

 

[trents]

15 minutes ago, Chandra104 said:

 My theory is that as we have antibiotics and kill bacteria that breaks down food its possible that the ones that break down certain additives may have been killed and now those additives cannot be broken down in my system and are now bladder irritants.

Humans don't have the ability to digest cellulose. This is not the result of changes in the gut biome caused by antibiotics. 

[Scott Adams]

Believe it or not cellulose can be found in foods like grated Parmesan cheese. It’s kind of like a filler so that they can use less cheese and I believe it absorbs moisture so keeps it dry.

[DawnKeck]

I have been taking NP thyroid for months, but my endocrinologist recommended a compounded prescription. Two days after taking it, my hands broke out in an itch rash. It has spread to my earlobes and eyelids.  I’ve been taking antihistamines and prednisone with very little relief. I am on day 5.  I’m wondering if I’m allergic to one of the ingredients in the levothyroxine portion of the compound — either the Microcrystalline cellulose or the light magnesium oxide.

[Scott Adams]

Welcome to the forum! 

It's possible that the medication has wheat starch or other non-gluten-free ingredient. 

You can search the ingredients of any prescription medications here:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/ 

Do you have DH?

[Nicolelynsey]

Hi Everyone, just joined, glad I found the forum. Im very sensitive to any type of cellulose, I have digestive issues for about 2 days after I consume some. With that, how do I get around medications w fillers? 

Thank you! 

[Scott Adams]

You can search your medication here, find out which one you use, then look at its inactive ingredients:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/