Overview
Pectin is a soluble fiber (polysaccharide) found in fruits. It is used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. Sometimes used in pharmaceuticals.
Pectin binds to materials in the intestines and adds bulk to the stool. It may also reduce the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from food.
People use pectin to treat high cholesterol, prediabetes, heartburn, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
For many years, pectin has been used along with kaolin clay (Kaopectate) to control diarrhea. But in 2003, the FDA found that the evidence did not support the use of pectin to treat diarrhea. As of April 2004, pectin is no longer allowed in over-the-counter (OTC) products as an anti-diarrheal agent. High pectin no longer contains pectin and kaolin.
What is pectin?
Pectin is a naturally occurring thickening and stabilizing agent that helps jams, jellies and fruit preserves set. Scientifically speaking, it is a soluble fiber (also known as a polysaccharide) found in the cell walls of most fruits and vegetables.
Certain fruits—such as apples, quinces, currants, cranberries, grapes, and citrus—naturally contain high levels of pectin. That's why the jam becomes so smooth and the cranberries turn into crumbly Thanksgiving sauce. Other fruits, such as strawberries, peaches, tart cherries, rhubarb, tomatoes and pears, have much lower pectin content. Rather than hardening when heated, these fruits turn to mush more easily. To turn them into jam, you usually need to add more sugar and/or an additional thickening agent, such as commercial pectin. Then there's the in-between: fruits that are moderately high in pectin, but don't gel as quickly or as easily as high-pectin fruits. This category includes apricots, raspberries, blackberries, mulberries, bananas and plums.
The type of fruit is not the only consideration here. Generally speaking, the more ripe the fruit, the less pectin it contains.
Purpose and efficacy?
may be valid for
High cholesterol. Taking pectin by mouth seems to slightly lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.
interactive
Moderate interaction
Use this combination with caution
Antibiotics (tetracycline antibiotics) interact with pectin
High in pectin fiber. Fiber can reduce the amount of tetracycline antibiotics absorbed by the body. This may make these antibiotics less effective. To avoid this interaction, take pectin two hours before or four hours after taking tetracycline antibiotics.
Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with pectin
High in pectin fiber. Fiber can reduce the amount of digoxin your body absorbs. This may reduce the effects of digoxin. To avoid this interaction, take pectin four hours before or one hour after digoxin.
Lovastatin (Mevacor) interacts with pectin
High in pectin fiber. Fiber can reduce the amount of lovastatin your body absorbs. This may reduce the effectiveness of lovastatin. To avoid this interaction, take pectin at least one hour after taking lovastatin
side effect
When taken orally: Pectin is usually consumed in food quantities. It's probably safe in heavy use for up to a year. Generally well tolerated. Side effects may include diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps.
Special notes and warnings
When taken orally: Pectin is usually consumed in food quantities. It's probably safe in heavy use for up to a year. Generally well tolerated. Side effects may include diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pectin is commonly consumed in food. Probably safe when taken orally in large amounts.
Children: Pectin is commonly consumed in food. It is probably safe to take large amounts by mouth for short periods of time.
Cashew allergy: Pectin may cause allergic reactions in people with cashew allergies.
