Sriamornsak, Pornsak (2003). "Chemistry of Pectin and its Pharmaceutical Uses: A Review". Silpakorn University International Journal. 3 (1–2): 206. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012 . Retrieved 23 August 2007.

A pectin-based anti-reflux agent (Aflurax) improved acid reflux incidence and severity in 3 clinical trials on 179 people suffering from this condition [ 26, 27, 28].Rabbani GH, Teka T, Zaman B, et al. Clinical studies in persistent diarrhea: dietary management with green banana or pectin in Bangladeshi children. Gastroenterology 2001;121:554-60. View abstract. In cosmetic products, pectin acts as a stabiliser. Pectin is also used in wound healing preparations and speciality medical adhesives, such as colostomy devices. The human body cannot digest pectin in its natural form. But an altered form of pectin, known as modified citrus pectin (MCP), has properties that allow it to be digested. Why do people take MCP? Sobolev, M. B., Khatskel', S. B., and Muradov, A. I. [Enterosorption by nonstarch polysaccharides as a method of treatment of children with mercury poisoning]. Vopr.Pitan. 1999;68(1):28-30. View abstract. At the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee Report on Food Additives and in the European Union, no numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been set, as pectin is considered safe. [36]

Consumption of pectin has been shown to slightly (3–7%) reduce blood LDL cholesterol levels. The effect depends upon the source of pectin; apple and citrus pectins were more effective than orange pulp fibre pectin. [13] The mechanism appears to be an increase of viscosity in the intestinal tract, leading to a reduced absorption of cholesterol from bile or food. [14] In the large intestine and colon, microorganisms degrade pectin and liberate short-chain fatty acids that have positive influence on health ( prebiotic effect). [15] Chemistry [ edit ] Galacturonic acid In addition, this fiber helps decrease inflammation and cellular damage that can trigger colon cancer cell formation — thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer ( 21).

However, studies in humans have not observed the same powerful effects on blood sugar control ( 11, 12). During the Second World War, Allied pilots were provided with maps printed on silk, for navigation in escape and evasion efforts. The printing process at first proved nearly impossible because the several layers of ink immediately ran, blurring outlines and rendering place names illegible until the inventor of the maps, Clayton Hutton, mixed a little pectin with the ink and at once the pectin coagulated the ink and prevented it from running, allowing small topographic features to be clearly visible. [35] Legal status [ edit ] Pectin ( Ancient Greek: πηκτικός pēktikós: "congealed" and "curdled") is a heteropolysaccharide, a structural acid contained in the primary lamella, in the middle lamella, and in the cell walls of terrestrial plants. [1] The principal, chemical component of pectin is galacturonic acid (a sugar acid derived from galactose) which was isolated and described by Henri Braconnot in 1825. [2] [3] Commercially produced pectin is a white-to-light-brown powder, produced from citrus fruits for use as an edible gelling agent, especially in jams and jellies, dessert fillings, medications, and sweets; and as a food stabiliser in fruit juices and milk drinks, [4] and as a source of dietary fiber. Pectin used in the food industry as a gelling agent (for jams and jellies), or as a stabilizer (in sweets, fruit juices, and milk drinks) is mainly extracted from apple pulp or the peel of citrus fruits [ 4, 7, 5]. Mechanism of Action Pectin is a soluble fiber (polysaccharide) composed of simple sugars (monosaccharides). Its main component is galacturonic acid, a sugar acid derived from galactose. Other sugars found in pectin include xylose, apiose, rhamnose, galactose, and arabinose [ 5]. Fruits and Food High in Pectins

Additionally, animal studies have demonstrated that pectin supplements promoted weight loss and fat burn in rats with obesity ( 17, 29, 30, 31). CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. However, pectin failed to decrease hunger and body weight in a trial on 11 overweight people. In another trial on 120 healthy women, only gum Arabic reduced body weight and body fat percentage [ 47, 48]. A high-pectin diet (enteral liquid 2:1 v/v) reduced the number and duration of reflux episodes in a clinical trial on 18 children with cerebral palsy and acid reflux [ 25]. The highest amount of pectin is present in citrus peels like orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels (30 to 35%), and in apple pulp (15 to 20%). Other major sources include quince, plums, gooseberries, cherries, apricots, and carrots [ 6].By making jam without pectin, less sugar will be required, but the increased cooking time will change the texture and will result in a loss of the fresh fruit flavor. The jam must reach 220 degrees F to gel. Use Fruit That is High in Natural Pectin Yablokov, Alexey V. Chernobyl Consequences of the Catastrophe for People and the Environment. John Wiley & Sons, 2010, pp. 304–309 ISBN 1573317578 The results are promising but insufficient to support the use of pectin in constipated people. More clinical trials on larger populations are needed to confirm these preliminary results. 6) Vomiting Pectin may also improve blood fat levels by binding with cholesterol in your digestive tract to keep it from being absorbed, which could lower your risk of heart disease ( 13). Can pectin be bad for you? Some commercial pectins can be made from genetically modified corn or GMOs, which a lot of people try to avoid.

Below, we will discuss some preliminary research on pectin’s potential anticancer effects and mechanisms. It’s still in the animal and cell stage and further clinical studies have yet to determine if its extract may be useful in cancer therapies. In a clinical trial on 80 patients with constipation, 4 weeks of pectin (24 g/day) improved colon transit and reduced constipation symptoms [ 49]. Also, soluble fiber is a prebiotic — a food source for the healthy bacteria living in your gut ( 36). Pectin decreases the absorption and effectiveness of the heart medication digoxin. To prevent their interaction it’s advised to separate their consumption by at least 2 hours [ 73]. Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A)However, more research in humans is needed to better understand how pectin affects blood sugar and fat levels. Decreases colon cancer risk Sanaka, M., Yamamoto, T., Anjiki, H., Nagasawa, K., and Kuyama, Y. Effects of agar and pectin on gastric emptying and post-prandial glycaemic profiles in healthy human volunteers. Clin Exp.Pharmacol.Physiol 2007;34(11):1151-1155. View abstract. Miyazawa R, Tomomasa T, Kaneko H, Arakawa H, Shimizu N, Morikawa A. Effects of pectin liquid on gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with cerebral palsy. BMC Gastroenterol. 2008 Apr 16;8:11. View abstract. Guess BW, Scholz MC, Strum SB, et al. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) increases the prostate-specific antigen doubling time in men with prostate cancer: a phase II pilot study. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2003;6:301-4. View abstract.