Pectin is a soluble fiber (polysaccharide) found in fruits. It is used as a thickener in cooking and baking. It is also sometimes used to make medicine.
Pectin binds substances in the intestines and adds bulk to the stools. It might also reduce how much cholesterol the body absorbs from foods.
People use pectin for high cholesterol, prediabetes, heartburn, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Pectin was used for years together with kaolin (Kaopectate) to control diarrhea. But in 2003, the FDA found that evidence doesn't 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. Kaopectate no longer contains pectin and kaolin.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- 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.
There is interest in using pectin for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Pectin is commonly consumed in food amounts. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts for up to one year. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pectin is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when taken by mouth in larger amounts.
Children: Pectin is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when taken by mouth in larger amounts, short-term.
Allergy to cashew: Pectin might cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to cashew.
Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Pectin is high in fiber. Fiber can decrease the amount of tetracycline antibiotics that the body absorbs. This might reduce the effects of these antibiotics. To avoid this interaction, take pectin two hours before or four hours after taking tetracycline antibiotics.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Pectin is high in fiber. Fiber can decrease the amount of digoxin that the body absorbs. This might reduce the effects of digoxin. To avoid this interaction, take pectin four hours before or one hour after digoxin.
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Pectin is high in fiber. Fiber can decrease the amount of lovastatin that the body absorbs. This might reduce the effects of lovastatin. To avoid this interaction, take pectin at least one hour after lovastatin
Beta-carotene: Using pectin along with beta-carotene might reduce the amount of beta-carotene that the body absorbs.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Pectin has most often been used by adults in doses of 15 grams by mouth daily for up to one year. Speak to a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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