Human Studies on Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR)

A series of toxicology studies was conducted in the 1950s and 1960s to investigate the toxicity of ADMUL WOL, a brand of polyglcerol polyricinoleate (PGPR). A component of these investigations included studies in human subjects. During 1964 and 1965, PGPR was fed to 19 human volunteers whose diet contained constant levels of fat and protein. Up to 10 g/day PGPR was fed to each volunteer in soups, cakes and toffee bars for 2 weeks. Pre-exposure normal values of biochemical parameters were established. Fat balance tests confirmed that digestion and absorption of PGPR took place. No consistent effect of PGPR on the various biochemical parameters was observed, nor had PGPR any toxic effect on liver and kidneys. The consumption of PGPR by humans produced no adverse effects. The quantities consumed, up to 10 g/day, was equivalent to approximately 63 times the estimated maximum per capita mean daily intake by man of 2.64 mg/kg body weight/day. It is therefore concluded from this study that the consumption of ADMUL WOL, a brand of PGPR, has no adverse effects in man.