Methyl cellulose and blood sugar responses after meals in people
What it found
Four grams of methyl cellulose taken with a meal lowered the insulin spike in overweight adults.
It did not change overall blood sugar levels compared to a control meal.
What they found
Studies in people
Insulin after meals
Peak insulin was about 10% lower after the meal with 4 g of methyl cellulose compared to the control. Overall insulin over two hours was about 20% lower.
Blood sugar levels
The highest blood sugar reading and the total blood sugar over two hours were about the same after the methyl cellulose meal as after the control meal.
Gut symptoms
People reported the same amount of gas, bloating, cramps, nausea, constipation, and loose stools whether they had methyl cellulose or the control.
Other findings
How it is made
The methyl cellulose used in this study was derived from cotton or wood pulp. It was manufactured to food grade specifications.
What the authors conclude
- They conclude that consuming methyl cellulose with a meal lowered insulin spikes in overweight men and women.
- They suggest these findings add to evidence that such fibers might help manage risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- They note the fiber was well tolerated by the participants.
How it was done
Thick, viscous fibers can slow down how fast the body absorbs sugar from food. The authors wanted to see if smaller amounts of methyl cellulose could lower blood sugar and insulin spikes after eating.
Fifty overweight men and women each ate five different breakfasts on separate days. Each meal had 75 g of carbohydrate plus either 4 g of methyl cellulose, other similar fibers, or a plain cellulose control. Blood sugar and insulin were measured before eating and for two hours after.
What it can’t tell you
- This trial only looked at single meals, so it cannot show what happens when people eat methyl cellulose every day.
- Everyone in the study was overweight or obese, so the results might differ for people of other weights.
The paper
- Title
- Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and methylcellulose consumption reduce postprandial insulinemia in overweight and obese men and women
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Maki KC, Carson ML, Miller MP, et al (2008). Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and methylcellulose consumption reduce postprandial insulinemia in overweight and obese men and women. The Journal of nutrition. doi:10.1093/jn/138.2.292Free full textPubMed 18203894DOI
Summary written 1 Oct 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error