Low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose
A functional modified fiber used primarily to bind and texturize.
- Category
- Thickeners
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
L-HPC is a modified cellulose derivative used to provide texture and act as a binder in food and supplements.
How it is used in food
Unlike ordinary hydroxypropyl cellulose it swells in water without dissolving, so it binds a tablet or capsule together while still breaking apart quickly on contact with liquid. That combination of binding plus fast disintegration is why it is used in solid food supplements, and it also holds water and adds body in low-fat or gluten-free formulations.
Commonly found in- Food supplements
- Bakery products
Health and safety
Safe at normal intake levels; excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
EFSA's 2021 opinion on low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose concluded there was no safety concern at the proposed use levels in solid food supplements; it is not absorbed and behaves as insoluble fibre. As with any bulk fibre, intakes well above normal use can loosen stools.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Permitted | Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II). |
| United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
Permitted | Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives). |
Identification on labels
- E-number
- E463a
Worth knowing
Chemically it is the same molecule as E 463, just with fewer hydroxypropyl groups attached — a low degree of substitution is exactly what tips it from soluble thickener to insoluble swelling agent. It arrived in food use from pharmaceutical manufacturing, where it has long been a standard tablet disintegrant.
Conclusion
A functional modified fiber used primarily to bind and texturize.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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