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Methyl cellulose
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Methyl cellulose
Methylcellulose (or methylcellulose) is a compound derived from cellulose. It is sold under a variety of trade names and is used as a thickener and emulsifier in various food and cosmetic products, and also as a bulk-forming laxative. Like cellulose, it is not digestible, non-toxic, and not an allergen. In addition to culinary uses, it is used in arts and crafts such as papier-mâché and is often the main ingredient of wallpaper paste.
Methyl cellulose has a wide range of uses.
Methylcellulose is used to treat constipation and is classified as a bulk forming laxative. It works by increasing the amount of stool present which improves intestinal contractions. Effects generally occur within three days. It is taken orally with sufficient water. Side effects may include abdominal pain.
It is available over the counter. It is sold under the brand name Citrucel among others.
The lubricating property of methylcellulose is of particular benefit in the treatment of dry eyes. Solutions containing methyl cellulose or similar cellulose derivatives are used as substitute for tears or saliva if the natural production of these fluids is disturbed.[citation needed]
Methyl cellulose is used in the manufacture of drug capsules; its edible and nontoxic properties provide a vegetarian alternative to the use of gelatin.[citation needed]
Methylcellulose is occasionally added to hair shampoos, tooth pastes and liquid soaps, to generate their characteristic thick consistency. This is also done for foods, for example ice cream or croquette. Methylcellulose also prevents the separation of emulsions because it is an emulsion stabilizer.[citation needed]
The E number of methylcellulose as food additive is E461. E464 is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which is more soluble in water.
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Methyl cellulose
Methylcellulose (or methylcellulose) is a compound derived from cellulose. It is sold under a variety of trade names and is used as a thickener and emulsifier in various food and cosmetic products, and also as a bulk-forming laxative. Like cellulose, it is not digestible, non-toxic, and not an allergen. In addition to culinary uses, it is used in arts and crafts such as papier-mâché and is often the main ingredient of wallpaper paste.
Methyl cellulose has a wide range of uses.
Methylcellulose is used to treat constipation and is classified as a bulk forming laxative. It works by increasing the amount of stool present which improves intestinal contractions. Effects generally occur within three days. It is taken orally with sufficient water. Side effects may include abdominal pain.
It is available over the counter. It is sold under the brand name Citrucel among others.
The lubricating property of methylcellulose is of particular benefit in the treatment of dry eyes. Solutions containing methyl cellulose or similar cellulose derivatives are used as substitute for tears or saliva if the natural production of these fluids is disturbed.[citation needed]
Methyl cellulose is used in the manufacture of drug capsules; its edible and nontoxic properties provide a vegetarian alternative to the use of gelatin.[citation needed]
Methylcellulose is occasionally added to hair shampoos, tooth pastes and liquid soaps, to generate their characteristic thick consistency. This is also done for foods, for example ice cream or croquette. Methylcellulose also prevents the separation of emulsions because it is an emulsion stabilizer.[citation needed]
The E number of methylcellulose as food additive is E461. E464 is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which is more soluble in water.
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