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What are the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose side effects? HPMC has several side effects. However, lets first understand what it is. HPMC is a cellulose ether that, on average, has both high tensile strength and viscosity. It is often used as a thickener and emulsifier, as it quickly disperses in water. It is also soluble in most organic solvents and is generally nontoxic.
HPMC has many properties valuable to the pharmaceutical industry for tablet coatings and capsules, particularly:
l Rapid dissolution of active ingredients
l Controlled release of active ingredients
l Wetting and binding agents
l Protective colloid.
HPMC acts as a disintegrant and binder, helping tablets keep their shape and increasing the apparent sweetness of taste of medications that contain sugars, such as those tablets that contain xylitol or Maltitol.
In food products, HPMC maintains moisture which helps resist crystallization (and melting) while keeping thawed substances from developing an undesirable texture. It also acts as a film former and viscosity enhancer when used in ice cream, salad dressings, and sauces.
HPMC is also helpful in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries for wetting and binding agents (it helps control how much "drag" there is when applying a product), protective colloids (it protects certain ingredients from chemical degradation), and suspending/dispersing agents (it can efficiently suspend small particles in liquids).
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose side effects are broad and varied. From mild scalp irritation to more dangerous conditions. The uses of this product should be well understood before you try it. If you have any skin concerns or general health concerns, always consult your doctor before using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Here are the side effects of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
This product was first used as a safer alternative to plastic for use in diapers. Its ability to absorb large amounts of liquid led to its use in numerous other products, including the lining of tampons and spermicidal jellies, lubricants, and even diuretics. During this period, it became apparent that many individuals were having problems with skin irritation caused by exposure to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or HPMC.
Spermicides containing Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose contain chemicals like nonoxynol-9 (N-9) which can be irritating when applied directly to the skin. It is believed that these irritations are generally caused by the chemical reaction between the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and the body's natural moisture.
In some cases, consumers have reported that the use of a product containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose resulted in skin rashes, digestive problems such as diarrhea or nausea, and even more severe systemic reactions. Again, these side effects are reported to appear most commonly when N-9 is present in the products containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
There have also been several cases where using products with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has led to urinary tract infections which required hospitalization for treatment with Antibiotics. This has led to the belief that these infections were partly caused by the breakdown of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose into toxic chemicals to cells lining the bladder and urinary tract.
There have also been reports of increased cancer rates in workers exposed to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. There are more than 14 known cases of bladder cancers, particularly among long-term employees who had direct exposure to the product. Some evidence suggests that chemicals released during the breakdown of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can cause genetic mutations, which Lead to cell growth and may be directly linked to cancer development.
There have even been cases where products containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose caused individuals with bleeding disorders like hemophilia or other types of bleeding tendencies like dermatitis or surface wounds to bleed excessively, leading to hospitalization or death.
There have been several reports of individuals suffering from upper respiratory infections or other bacterial infections who began taking medication to help their conditions only to suffer heart attacks shortly after that. There is some speculation that this has in part come from the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose containing spermicidal jellies and lubricants, which may lead to inflammation and irritation of cardiovascular tissue, causing a heightened risk for heart attack and stroke.
There have also been cases where individuals with existing medical conditions such as diabetes or Lupus used hydroxypropyl methylcellulose containing spermicidal jellies or lubricants. In some cases, it worsened the symptoms, leading to hospitalization and even death in at least one case, which involved an older woman with a weakened immune system already suffering from cancer of the kidney and spine. The cause of death was reported as respiratory failure due to laryngeal edema. However, many believe it might have been related at least partially to a massive leukocytosis (excessive number of white blood cells).
Side effects are the unwanted symptoms that appear after you have taken medication. The side effects of this drug are most commonly mild and transient, meaning they usually subside rapidly or may disappear entirely once your body gets used to the drug. However, if you feel any of these symptoms persist for a long time, it is advisable to see your doctor immediately. Here are some common side effects:
l Nausea
l Itching
l Dizziness
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l Bloating
l Stomach upset
l Liver problems
l Headaches
l Bowel intestinal disorder
l Vomiting
l Pancreatitis
l Skin reactions
l Diarrhea
In the world of nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals, innovation plays a crucial role in developing safe and effective products that meet the needs of a broad audience. One of the notable innovations in these industries has been the use of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC). This versatile substance was a game-changer not only because of its functional benefits, but also because it offers a plant-based alternative that fits various lifestyles, including those of vegetarians and vegans.
In this blog we will delve deeper into what exactly HPMC is, why it is increasingly used instead of traditional binding agents such as gelatin, and how it contributes to the safety and quality of nutritional supplements. We will also discuss HPMC's approval and safety profile, supported by regulatory authorities and scientific studies, to highlight why consumers can confidently choose products containing this substance.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, often abbreviated to HPMC or also called hypromellose, is a chemical compound widely used as an aid in pharmaceutical and food products. HPMC is a type of cellulose ether, a derivative of natural cellulose, which is extracted from plant sources such as wood pulp or cotton fibers. This compound is specifically valued for its ability to serve as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and film former. It has many functions.
Chemical composition and origin
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is produced by treating natural cellulose with methyl chloride and propylene oxide. Cellulose, the basis of HPMC, is an organic compound found in the cell walls of plants, giving HPMC its plant origin. During the production process, hydroxypropyl and methyl groups are added to the cellulose chain. This chemical process improves the solubility of HPMC in cold water and increases its gelation temperature, making it particularly useful in applications requiring thermal stability.
Comparison with other thickeners
Compared to other thickeners such as gelatin, which is of animal origin, HPMC offers a crucial advantage: it is 100% vegetable. This not only makes HPMC suitable for vegetarians and vegans, but also offers significant advantages in terms of stability and shelf life. HPMC is less susceptible to microbial degradation than gelatin, which is especially important for nutritional supplements and medications that require storage in various climates and conditions. In addition, HPMC is resistant to pH fluctuations. While gelatin can break down or lose its effectiveness at different pH levels, HPMC maintains its stability over a wide pH range, making it an excellent choice for formulations that require consistent performance regardless of the acidic or basic conditions in which they are used .
The safety profile of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by several regulatory authorities worldwide, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These approvals underline the safe use of HPMC in both food products and medicines and number E464 is permitted as an additive of food and medicines.
Regulatory Approvals
HPMC is recognized as a safe food additive and pharmaceutical excipient. In the European Union, HPMC is included in the list of permitted substances that can be added to foods and medicines. The EFSA has evaluated HPMC and concluded that it does not pose a significant risk to public health when used according to approved guidelines and therefore number E464 is authorized for use in food.
Support from scientific studies
A series of scientific studies have extensively investigated the safety of HPMC. These studies have shown that HPMC is safe for consumption and has no toxic effects when ingested within stated limits. The studies focus on several aspects, including the degradation of HPMC in the human body and the absence of allergic reactions, which contributes to its profile as a non-irritating and non-sensitizing substance.
HPMC is especially valued for its role as a capsule shell. Traditional gelatin capsules are made from animal by-products, making them unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. HPMC capsules, on the other hand, are completely plant-based and offer an excellent alternative that suits a wide range of dietary preferences.
Choosing HPMC over other binders offers important advantages for specific consumer groups:
In this blog, we took an in-depth look at Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), a plant-based compound that revolutionized the nutritional supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We found that HPMC not only provides functional benefits as a thickener and stabilizer, but is also a safe and inclusive alternative to gelatin, making it suitable for a wide audience, including vegetarians and vegans.
The approval from regulatory authorities such as EFSA and the FDA emphasizes the safety of HPMC, supported by extensive scientific studies. Furthermore, the moisture-resistant properties and thermal stability of HPMC in capsule and tablet forms are undeniable, contributing to the quality and sustainability of nutritional supplements.
At Golden Naturals, we understand the importance of transparency and the need for consumers to make informed choices about the products they use. That is why we clearly state on our labels when capsules are made from HPMC. This is declared on the label under the ingredient declaration as a thickener (cellulose as capsule shell). This openness ensures that you, our valued customer, know exactly what you are taking and are assured of a product that is not only effective, but also meets your dietary needs and ethical considerations
As a consumer, it is important to choose products that are not only safe and effective, but that also fit your ethical beliefs and health needs. Products with HPMC guarantee that you are taking supplements that:
We encourage you to look at the ingredient list on your next supplement purchase and choose products with HPMC. By doing this, you not only support sustainable production practices, but you also take care of your health in a safe and responsible way.
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