bulkmedel

Bulkmedel, or bulking agent, is a substance added to products to increase their volume, improve texture, stabilize mixtures, or aid manufacturing. The term is used across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. Bulkmedel can be inert and non-digestible or slowly fermentable, and its selection depends on the desired functional properties and regulatory status.

In food production, bulking agents provide body or dietary fiber, help with moisture retention, or act as carriers for flavors. Common examples include cellulose derivatives (microcrystalline cellulose, powdered cellulose), inulin, starches, pectin, guar gum, and xanthan gum. In many jurisdictions they are approved as food additives and may carry codes such as E460 for cellulose, with exact labeling depending on the country.

In pharmaceuticals, bulking agents are excipients that increase tablet or capsule size and aid dosing when the active ingredient is highly potent. Examples include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, and calcium phosphate. They also influence drug release and stability and are selected according to pharmacopeial standards.

In cosmetics and personal care, bulking agents adjust texture, viscosity, and spreadability. Silica, talc, and certain starches are used for these purposes.

Safety and regulation vary by jurisdiction. Most bulking agents with GRAS or pharmacopeial status are considered safe at approved levels, but excessive intake can cause digestive effects or interact with medications. Quality control focuses on purity, particle size, moisture content, and compatibility with other ingredients.

Terminology note: In Swedish, bulkmedel is the term for bulking agents; in English literature the term bulking agent or filling agent is common.