Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for body cleansing

In an attempt to lose weight, people often push themselves to the point of exhaustion in the gym and on low-calorie diets. Some try to solve this problem with the help of untested pills, and their health suffers as a result. However, there is a special nutritional supplement that cleanses the body of waste and toxins and helps to lose excess weight.

Indications for use

Cellulose itself is an element of the cell wall of plants. During the processing of cellulose fibers, they are converted into crystals. That's why this product got its name.

Cellulose in the form of a biological additive has no odor or taste. It is characterized by very high hygroscopicity. Therefore, the substance does not dissolve in water, but, on the contrary, retains it, significantly increasing in size.

Due to this property, MCC is widely used in the food industry as an approved food additive E460i. It is used in the manufacture of bakery products and sausages. The emulsifier adds mass and volume, which is why it is often called a ballast additive.

Microcrystalline cellulose is also used in cosmetology, the production of plastics, and ceramics. It is used to create shells for capsules. MCC is also used as an independent drug, which some use for weight loss.

If we talk about the principle of operation of MCC, then this is a product that is a rather powerful sorbent. When a substance enters the human stomach, it begins to actively absorb the liquid accumulated in it. Thus, cellulose swells greatly and quickly fills the stomach. The person stops feeling hungry.

Based on this, MCC is indicated for:

• obesity;
• elevated blood sugar levels;
• dysbacteriosis;
• microbial intoxication, as well as serious poisoning with heavy metals.

Microcrystalline cellulose is a dietary supplement that is also used as an additional additive in the prevention of neoplasms and atherosclerosis.

What is microcrystalline cellulose?

How are microcellulose and sausage related?
You will be surprised, but in the most direct way, because it is what is added to meat and sausage products to enrich them with ballast dietary fiber, to which cellulose belongs. What is the MCC additive under the symbol E460? Microcrystalline cellulose is made from wood, as well as woody fibers from dried plants.

The main raw materials are:

• coniferous, deciduous trees - about 60% of raw materials
• cotton - approximately 93% of raw materials

The prepared raw material is soaked in water, then treated with acids using hydrolysis, and then cleaned, dried and turned into a white powder that has no pronounced taste or aroma. MCC cellulose can also be produced by digesting wood chips using the sulfite, soda or sulfate method. By the way, the sulfate cooking method allows you to obtain microcellulose from almost any plant material.

Interesting fact: many animals lack the enzymes that allow them to break down cellulose in their bodies. However, herbivores, as well as ruminants and snails, are excellent at digesting cellulose, which is converted into glucose.

Microcrystalline cellulose is an extremely strong compound that retains its state in water even after prolonged boiling.

Compound

As a rule, MCC is produced in the form of a dietary supplement in a package of 100 tablets. Each white tablet contains a little more than 500 mg of cellulose fiber (in other words, fiber). There are no additives in the preparation, only 100% purified dietary fiber. Also, some manufacturers offer customers the drug in powder form.

According to the annotation for the drug, MCC normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic processes, and also accelerates the delivery of food to the stomach.

In what form is it produced?

The cost of MCC tablets depends on the specific manufacturer. The product is freely available, meaning you do not need a doctor's prescription to purchase it.

Today, buyers prefer several products of this type:

The most popular dietary supplements, which include microcrystalline cellulose
In powder form, microcrystalline cellulose is usually used in the food industry, so it is sold mainly in bulk. One kg of product costs about 355 rubles.

Beneficial features

The main function of the MCC is the removal of waste, toxins, and harmful substances. If you consume crushed and purified cellulose before meals, the feeling of fullness occurs much earlier. The larger space of the stomach is filled with swollen dietary fiber, which does not contain calories. The human brain receives a signal that he is full.

The portion eaten is significantly reduced. This makes it much easier to reduce the amount of food you eat daily. Gradually, a person psychologically gets used to the fact that he needs significantly less food in order to be completely satisfied.

Microcrystalline cellulose is a supplement that makes losing weight easier.

This means that a person gradually loses extra pounds, but without such harm to health as when using more aggressive medications for weight loss. Since the body feels full, but there is nothing special for it to digest in the stomach, the process of burning fat deposits begins.

In addition, it is worth highlighting the following benefits from taking MCC:

• Increased performance. A person’s mood improves, he becomes more productive and active.
• Normalization of metabolic processes.
• Significant reduction in cholesterol levels.

MCC is not able to be digested by the walls of the stomach. Therefore, it is eliminated from the human body naturally, simultaneously cleansing the intestines of stagnant feces.

Also, while taking the drug, many note an improvement in the condition of their hair, skin and nails. This happens due to the removal of unwanted substances from the body.

Composition and action

Microcrystalline cellulose is obtained from waste from the production of cotton fabrics. The hard particles formed in this case are of plant origin and, like fiber from vegetables and fruits, are also not absorbed by the body.

There are two pharmaceutical forms that produce MCC (microcrystalline cellulose) - diet pills and powder used to reduce the calorie content of dishes. As a rule, microcellulose is contained in them in its pure form, but some manufacturers produce such preparations with various useful additives - kelp, rose hips, licorice, chaga and other plant components.

The beneficial effects of MCC on the body are due to the presence of a large amount of dietary fiber and are quite versatile. Among the properties of this substance, experts note:

• significant improvement in digestive and metabolic processes;
• high-quality cleansing of the intestines, removal of waste, toxins, and other decay products;
• absorption of large amounts of water due to the high hygroscopicity of the substance;
• normalization of cholesterol levels;
• prevention of the development of neoplasms, including malignant ones;
• strengthening the immune system;
• increased energy, activity, performance;
• quick help for intoxication;
• relief of symptoms of atherosclerosis, diabetes.

Due to the absence in the human body of an enzyme capable of converting MCC into glucose, it remains unchanged in the intestines and does not increase the calorie content of the diet. At the same time, fiber absorbs harmful substances and then removes them from the intestines.

It is these qualities that are most in demand in the process of weight loss.

Harmful properties

Microcrystalline cellulose is a non-selective sorbent. This means that this substance is capable of adsorbing not only toxins and waste, but also vitamins, iron, zinc and other beneficial substances necessary for the human body.

If we consider that the body contains many more beneficial substances than harmful ones, then MCC cannot in any way contribute to health. If a person suffers from a deficiency of beneficial microelements, then microcrystalline cellulose is more harmful. Therefore, even if you give preference to such a supplement, you should not take it in its pure form.

It is best to choose a dietary supplement that contains vitamins and minerals in addition to microcrystalline cellulose itself. In this case, the lack of useful components will be compensated.

It is also worth noting that even the MCC manufacturers themselves claim that without additional measures this drug will not bring the expected result. That is, in order to lose weight, you need not only to follow a diet, but also to engage in physical activity, increase physical activity and ensure that the calorie content of your daily diet does not exceed 1500 kcal.

It is worth considering that a microcrystalline product is not capable of burning fat, but only stimulates this process if a person reduces caloric intake and engages in fitness or other exercises. Also, MCC does not eliminate the habit of eating in the evenings and cannot reduce the number of meals.

Based on this, if a person goes on a diet that involves frequent meals in small portions, then in the process of taking MCC the result will be visible. But then a person gets used to eating often, and without microcrystalline cellulose he will no longer feel full.

This is far from the only disadvantage of the MCC.

Among other things, this substance greatly stretches the stomach. As a result, after a course of taking dietary supplements, a person’s appetite may significantly increase. He begins to eat much more food than before starting MCC.

As a result, the opposite effect occurs. A person has to go on an even more strict diet.

Nutritionists themselves recommend taking MCC with caution. Even with the most successful results from taking such a supplement, the results will only be visible after 4-5 weeks.

Weight loss results with MCC

By taking MCC and combining the drug with proper nutrition and exercise, girls can quickly and easily get rid of extra pounds. Among the reviews you can even find weight loss of 5-8 kg in just a month. The girls surveyed confirm that cellulose works great and also cleanses the skin. However, you must remember to drink plenty of water.

Let's watch a video with a real review from a girl who used MCC. Detailed information about taking dietary supplements, feelings during weight loss, and results:

Application

To take the drug correctly, you need to drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day. If you do not drink the supplement with plenty of water, cellulose may cause constant constipation or even an upset stomach. If this happens, then it is necessary to reduce the dose of the drug itself and increase the amount of water you drink daily.

It is also worth considering the drug dosage regimen. At the first stage, the dosage is 5-10 tablets per day. After 3 days, the amount of the drug increases to 20-30 tablets per day. At the same time, you can use up to 10 pcs. By the end of the course, the amount of the drug also decreases. To notice any changes in weight, the course of such treatment must be at least 2 months.

However, the dosage depends on the specific manufacturer. For example, you should start taking the Ankir-B supplement 3-5 tablets per day . The maximum amount of the product is 15 tablets. This is your daily dose of dietary fiber. The course of taking the drug can last 1 month. After this you need to take a 10-day break.

The tablets can be taken as is or crushed into powder. In this case, you can add the drug to food. It is noteworthy that MCC does not collapse and does not lose its characteristics even after long-term heat treatment. Therefore, you can take dietary supplements without even noticing it. However, before preparing a dish with such an additive, MCC must be soaked in water.

Microcrystalline cellulose is a supplement that is recommended to start taking in the winter. The fact is that it is at this time that the human body processes and removes fluid worst of all.

However, there is another opinion. If we are talking about a diet using a supplement, then in this case MCC is most effective in the summer and spring months. During this period, the drug is absorbed much faster, which means the effect of it will be much faster and more noticeable.

Some people suffering from excess weight begin to use MCC instead of food. However, such a decision is fraught with serious problems, since the body will stop receiving any nutrients. Experts do not allow food replacement with MCC.

MCC during pregnancy

Even though purified cellulose fiber is a 100% natural supplement, this does not mean that it can be taken by everyone. For example, during pregnancy and lactation it is better to avoid MCC.

Otherwise, the woman’s body will remove useful microelements necessary for the child and herself. While carrying a child and breastfeeding, a woman requires additional vitamin complexes, and not products that remove them.

If a woman wants to start losing weight during pregnancy (which is usually undesirable), then she should give more preference to fruits and vegetables.

Benefit

With poor digestion, poor diet, or constipation, large amounts of undigested food can accumulate in the body. Because of this, digestion becomes difficult, the body is poisoned, metabolism worsens, the skin deteriorates and problems with excess weight begin.

What problems does the MCC solve:

• reduces weight;
• removes toxins;
• normalizes blood sugar levels;
• serves as a prevention of cancer, cardiovascular and gastroenterological diseases, as well as urolithiasis;
• increases endurance;
• regulates the functioning of the digestive organs;
• provides the body with the necessary coarse fibers found in fruits and vegetables.

To get rid of excess weight, you need to work in a complex way: in addition to consuming cellulose, you should normalize your diet and start playing sports.

Contraindications

Although the instructions for the drug often say that you can start taking it from the age of 14, doctors recommend not using dietary supplements until the age of 18. This supplement is strictly prohibited for children. The digestive system of a growing organism should not be allowed to be influenced by such additives.

Also, MCC should not be used by people over 60 years of age. During this period, in most cases, there is a lack of vitamins and minerals, which is only aggravated by the intake of processed cellulose.

Also, those who suffer from:

• frequent constipation;
• vitamin deficiency;
• flatulence and bloating;
• disorders of intestinal microflora;
• chronic gastrointestinal disease;
• gastric ulcer (in the acute stage), as well as duodenal ulcer;
• anorexia and bulimia.

It is also worth giving up shredded cellulose if a person is already taking antibiotics or antidepressants.
In this case, the effect of their influence will be neutralized by MCC and there will be no effect from any of the drugs. In addition, there are a small number of people suffering from individual intolerance to microcrystalline cellulose . Such supplements are also not recommended for them.

You shouldn’t prescribe such a supplement yourself. You should first undergo a general examination and talk with a therapist. If there are no contraindications to taking MCC, then there is still no point in starting a course of taking this drug for a healthy person who does not suffer from obesity or other pathologies.

Overdose and side effects

No official data or information on cases of overdose of MCC has been recorded. Accordingly, there are no recommendations in this regard. However, it is known that if you take this type of drug for a long time, a person may develop vitamin deficiency.

If we talk about the side effects of microcrystalline cellulose, then there are many unpleasant symptoms. You should start with the appearance of discomfort in the stomach. Such a feeling is considered normal at the very beginning of the course of taking MCC. However, if anxiety symptoms do not disappear within a week as the dose is increased, you should stop taking the supplement.

It is believed that cellulose in this form can help cope with constipation.
However, if you take the drug incorrectly and do not drink it with plenty of water, then, on the contrary, it can provoke stagnation in the intestines. Heaviness in the stomach and flatulence may also appear. If such symptoms appear, you should take a laxative after visiting a doctor.

How MCC works when it enters the body

First, cellulose enters the stomach and swells greatly. If you felt hungry, now you will feel full, as if you had eaten. Since dietary fiber is not digested, it immediately passes into the intestines. There, the drug collects all the “dirt” and food waste from the mucous membrane, and absorbs toxins, heavy metal salts, waste, etc.

Due to this property, microcrystalline cellulose is often used for poisoning to cleanse the stomach of the resulting poisons.

Storage conditions and periods

Microcrystalline cellulose is a popular additive that can be stored for no more than 3 years (some manufacturers allow storage for up to 2 years). After this period, you cannot take the drug. It is also important to ensure that the dietary supplement is stored in a dry place inaccessible to children and animals.

There are no restrictions on the temperature regime, since MCC begins to collapse only at +250 °C. However, it is better not to store the drug in a cold environment. Room temperature is quite enough.

Possible complications

If we talk about microcrystalline cellulose itself, then the human body does not suffer from its deficiency in any way.

if you take MCC for too long and too much, it can not only provoke vitamin deficiency, but also cause harm to other organs.

For example, without the necessary microelements, the stomach will begin to suffer first, and then other systems. In this case, such weight loss can only cause harm.

If a nutritionist allows the use of MCC, then this supplement cannot be included in every diet. Microcrystalline cellulose becomes effective and safest with a classic, kefir, protein and low-carbohydrate diet.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that MCC has a lot of analogues, which are also natural and natural remedies that promote weight loss, but with fewer side effects.

For example, you can highlight Garcinia Forte, Turboslim, Lady Fitness. On sale you can find a lot of natural preparations made from herbs, flax, cotton and many other substances that will not remove vitamins from the body.

Based on this, microcrystalline cellulose cannot be called a completely harmless additive . Although it is a natural product, MCC can have negative effects. Therefore, you need to take such a dietary supplement strictly according to the instructions and if there are no contraindications.

MCC (microcellulose) – reviews[edit | edit code]

Most reviews about the MCC are positive. There is almost nothing for people to complain about. The supplement is cheap, has no side effects, and is generally good for health. Some even observe improvements in the condition of their skin and nails after using it. But, most likely, such changes in the body are in no way related to MCC, so such reviews should not be taken seriously. Sometimes there are negative reviews about the MCC. People most often complain about two things: the low effectiveness of the weight loss product; low cost of the additive. Low effectiveness may be associated either with an incorrect regimen for taking MCC, or with inflated human expectations. Let us remember that the rate of weight loss does not depend on the dose of the supplement, but on the calorie content of the diet. If a person expects to lose weight without a diet, using cellulose alone, he will fail. Some people are outraged by the low cost of the supplement. They claim that it is easier for them to chew paper or sawdust rather than buy pills for that kind of money. After all, they are also almost 100% cellulose, and therefore can provide a similar clinical effect. In general, these reviews are correct. Indeed, cellulose is just crushed sawdust. It is much cheaper to use paper instead of MCC, because it also consists mainly of cellulose. But this method of losing weight has some disadvantages, because chewing paper is not aesthetically pleasing; not hygienic; it's not tasty; not convenient; possibly harmful to health, because the paper is not intended for oral administration and may contain impurities of chemical compounds toxic to the body.

Conclusion MCC is an effective supplement, the main task of which is to provide a person with comfortable conditions for losing weight using a low-calorie diet. It has no direct effect on body weight and can only be used to reduce hunger. MCC is good for health, as it reduces cholesterol levels in the blood and normalizes intestinal activity. The supplement has no side effects, so anyone who is overweight or obese can take it.