Lipid-altering effects of different formulations of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose

• Published in: Journal of clinical lipidology Vol. 3; no. 3; pp. 159 - 166
• Main Authors: Maki, Kevin C., PhD, Carson, Michael L., DO, MPH, Kerr Anderson, W.H., PhD, Geohas, Jeffrey, MD, Reeves, Matthew S., DO, Farmer, Mildred V., MD, Turowski, Maciej, PhD, Miller, Marvin, PhD, Kaden, Valerie N, Dicklin, Mary R., PhD, Rains, Tia M., PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-05-2009
• Subjects: Cardiovascular; Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipids; Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Viscous dietary fiber; Lipids; Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose; Viscous dietary fiber; Hypercholesterolemia; Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
• ISSN: 1933-2874; 1876-4789
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2009.04.053

Background Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), a viscous, soluble dietary fiber, has been shown to be efficacious for lowering total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations. The relative effects of various dosages and viscosities of HPMC have not been fully evaluated. Objective To examine the lipid-altering effects of several formulations of HPMC. Methods In this randomized, double-blind pilot study, 165 men and women with primary hypercholesterolemia consumed a control product (snack bar or drink mix) or an HPMC-containing test bar or drink for 4 weeks. HPMC-containing products delivered 3, 5, or 10 g of HPMC of low, moderate, moderately high, or high viscosity (9 HPMC groups, each with ∼15 subjects). Results Data from drink and bar groups were combined because there was no evidence of a vehicle effect. The resulting analysis included data from the control and 6 HPMC dose and viscosity combinations. All HPMC groups showed LDL-C reductions ranging from 6.1 to 13.3% ( P < .05 vs. baseline for 6 of the 7 groups), compared with a nonsignificant reduction (1.9%) in the control group. Changes in total and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol paralleled those for LDL-C. Concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were not significantly altered. Conclusion This pilot study provides preliminary evidence to support the efficacy of various formulations of HPMC for reducing cholesterol carried by atherogenic particles in men and women with primary hypercholesterolemia. Additional research will be required to more clearly define the roles of viscosity and dosage on the lipid-altering effects of HPMC.