The toxicity of purified cellulose in studies with laboratory animals

Abstract

The available literature has been reviewed for studies in laboratory animals using purified cellulose, as the production of purified cellulose may result in trace organochlorine contamination. The chronic ingestion of purified cellulose over the entire lifespans in rats and mice does not result in any increase in spontaneous disease or neoplasia. Further, purified cellulose does not display promotional activity in the mammary gland, the colon, or the bladder of rats and does not significantly alter the absorption or the metabolism of dietary components. No adverse effects were found on reproduction or neonate development in rats and mice. Therefore, no adverse health effects in humans are expected from exposure to purified cellulose.