A commonly used food additive has been shown to reduce levels of so-called “bad” LDL cholesterol by more than 20%.

Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) is a widely used hydrocolloid. It is found in ophthalmic preparations, oral medicines, and also in food, where it is often used as an alternative to animal-derived gelatin. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that hydrocolloid compounds such as HPMC may also have health benefits.

Result of two trials, funded by the Dow Chemical Company, the leading producer of HPMC, revealed that the ingredient was able to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in people with medium hypercholesterolaemia by as much as 23.5%.

For the first trial  volunteers were assigned to consume 15 grams of either medium, high, or ultra-high viscosity HPMC per day for one week. Results showed that LDL and total cholesterol levels fell by 9.3% and 15.3% in those assigned to the medium grade HPMC, 16.9% and 23.5% in those assigned to the high grade HPMC, and 13.8% and 19.4% in those assigned to the ultra-high grade HPMC.

For the second trial volunteers were assigned to receive either 5 or 15 grams of HPMC per day, or placebo, for eight weeks. Results showed that total and LDL cholesterol levels fell by 7% and 8% in those assigned to 5 grams HPMC and 12% and 15% in those assigned to 15 grams HPMC, compared with placebo.

The researchers concluded: “HPMC soluble fiber, especially high-viscosity grades, significantly lowers cholesterol at well-tolerated doses, showing promise as a treatment of hypercholesterolemia.”

Reppas C, Swidan, SZ, Tobey SW, Turoksi M, Dressman JB. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose significantly lowers blood cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic human subjects. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009;63:71-77. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602903