Overview

Pectin is a fiber found in fruits. It is used to make medicine.

People use pectin for high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and to prevent colon cancer and prostate cancer. It is also used for diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some people use pectin to prevent poisoning caused by lead, strontium, and other heavy metals. Pectin is also used to reduce the skin flushing associated with taking niacin.

Pectin was used for years in combination with kaolin (Kaopectate) to control diarrhea. However, in April 2003, the FDA found ruled that scientific evidence does not support the use of pectin for diarrhea. Since April 2004, pectin has not been permitted as an anti-diarrhea agent in over-the-counter (OTC) products. As a result, Kaopectate no longer contains pectin and kaolin.

Some people apply pectin to the skin to protect raw or ulcerated mouth and throat sores.

Pectin is used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. In manufacturing, pectin is an ingredient in some denture adhesives.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Fiber

Primary Functions:

Diarrhea

Also Known As:

Acide Pectinique, Acide Pectique, Apple Pectin, Citrus Pectin

How Does It Work?

Pectin binds substances in the intestine and adds bulk to the stools.

Uses

• High cholesterol.Taking pectin by mouth seems to lower cholesterol. Taking it along with guar gum and small amounts of insoluble fiber lowers total and "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. However, the combination doesn't seem to affect "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triglycerides.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For high cholesterol: Up to 15 grams of pectin per day have been used.

Pectin Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Why is pectin bad for you?

When taken by mouth alone or in combination with guar gum and insoluble fiber (the combination used to lower cholesterol and other blood fats), pectin can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas, and loose stools. People who are exposed to pectin dust at work, such as in manufacturing, may develop asthma.

What is pectin used for?

The main use for pectin is as a gelling agent, thickening agent and stabilizer in food. The classical application is giving the jelly-like consistency to jams or marmalades, which would otherwise be sweet juices.

Is Pectin good for health?

Some research suggests that pectin, like other soluble fibers such as those found in oatmeal and in psyllium husks, can help lower LDL "bad" cholesterol. But the effect is a small one. If you have high cholesterol, soluble fibers such as pectin may help to lower it, but they usually can't do the job on their own.

Is pectin a laxative?

May relieve diarrhea and constipation

As a gel-forming fiber, pectin easily absorbs water and has been shown to normalize stools. In 2 studies, people who took 24 grams of pectin daily experienced fewer symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.

What fruits are naturally high in pectin?

Pears, apples, guavas, quince, plums, gooseberries, and oranges and other citrus fruits contain large amounts of pectin, while soft fruits, like cherries, grapes, and strawberries, contain small amounts of pectin. Typical levels of pectin in fresh fruits and vegetables are: Apples, 1–1.5% Apricots, 1%

Does pectin help you lose weight?

May aid weight loss

Apple pectin may aid weight loss by delaying stomach emptying. Slower digestion may help you feel full for longer. In turn, this may reduce your food intake, leading to weight loss ( 8 ). In one 2-day study, 74 adults took 5–20 grams of pectin with orange juice after fasting overnight.

Why is pectin used in jam?

Pectin is a natural fibre found in plant cell walls and most concentrated in the skin of fruits. It is water-soluble and binds with sugar and fruit acid to form a gel. Adding pectin when making jam or jelly also shortens or eliminates the cooking time, resulting in a fresher fruit flavour.

Is Pectin good for arthritis?

Arthritis, Grape Juice and Pectin

There have been newer treatments which have shown that fruit pectin would work well with inflammation, particularly in the instance of inflamed joints affected by arthritis. Pectin present in many fruits is known to naturally relieve joint pain and the pain of arthritis.

Can pectin cause bloating?

Pectin has few side effects. That said, given that it can affect digestion, it may cause gas or bloating in some people. Moreover, you should avoid it if you are allergic to the food it was sourced from. Most commercial products and supplements are made from apples or citrus peels.

How much pectin can you have in a day?

Most are sold either in capsule form or as a powder that you can mix with water or juice. There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of apple pectin, although most manufacturers typically recommend a daily dose of between 1,000 mg to 1,400 mg per day.

What fruits have no pectin?

Low-Pectin Fruits

• ripe cherries.
• Italian plums.

What vegetables are high in pectin?

Typical levels of pectin in fresh fruits and vegetables are:

• Apples, 1–1.5%
• Apricots, 1%
• Cherries, 0.4%
• Oranges, 0.5–3.5%
• Carrots 1.4%
• Citrus peels, 30%
• Rose hips, 15%

Can I make my own pectin?

Some fruits are naturally high in pectin, but others are lacking. Adding commercial liquid or powdered pectin is one way to get a low-pectin fruit jelly to gel. Homemade liquid pectin can be made from apple scraps, meaning the cores and peels. Just stockpile these in the freezer until you have enough for the recipe.

Does pectin make you gain weight?

Pectin Weight Loss And 96% RDA OF VITAMIN C

One vital factor in losing weight is being able to burn fat. Studies show that when you are deficient in vitamin C, it stifles the bodies natural fat burning process and can make you gain weight.

Is Pectin good for hair?

In cosmetics and personal care products, Pectin is used in the formulation of body and hand products, as well as makeup foundations, shampoos, hair conditioners, permanent waves, personal cleanliness products, and other hair products. Pectin helps to keep an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components.

Do Sweet potatoes have pectin?

Pectin is a polysaccharide consisting of galacturonic acid (GalA) that is found in the cell wall of plant. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) peel contains pectin, which acts as thickening and gelling agents in food application. The results proved that the sweet potato pectin has low degree of methyl-esterification.

Do Sweet potatoes have pectin?

Pectin is a polysaccharide consisting of galacturonic acid (GalA) that is found in the cell wall of plant. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) peel contains pectin, which acts as thickening and gelling agents in food application. The results proved that the sweet potato pectin has low degree of methyl-esterification.

Are cranberries high in pectin?

When cranberries are cooked, their pectin polymers tangle and interact, forming a net that traps dissolved sugar molecules so they can't flow. Cranberries naturally contain a lot of pectin, which helps keep the berries nice and firm. This extra pectin gets released when they are cooked.

What can I use instead of pectin?

• Citrus peels. Citrus peels—especially the white part, or pith—are naturally packed with pectin
• Cornstarch is a natural thickener that works as a seamless substitute for pectin
• Gelatin is a viable option for non-vegans or non-vegetarians.
• Extra sugar

Clinical Studies