Modified Citrus Pectin

Other Names:

fractionated pectin, depolymerized pectin, MCP

Nutrition:

Modified citrus pectin is an altered form of standard citrus pectin made for its smaller, refined molecules that are more easily absorbed by the body. While modified citrus pectin does not contain high levels of nutrients in terms of vitamins and minerals, it is rich in beneficial bioactive polysaccharides such as galactose-rich pectic fibres.

Health Benefits:

Heavy Metal Detox

Modified citrus pectin is well known for its ability to bind to common heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury, and arsenic) and help to excrete them from the body without depleting healthy essential minerals. A review of five case studies found an average 74% decrease in toxic heavy metals following the use of modified citrus pectin. Heavy metal build up in the body can have numerous negative health effects including interfering with antioxidant defence mechanisms, negatively influencing cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, metabolism and apoptosis, and displacing vital healthy redox metals from their binding sites.

Supports Cardiovascular Health

Modified citrus pectin can provide powerful cardiovascular health support and protect against cardiac dysfunction through its ability to inhibit Galectin-3, a protein that is implicated in various biological functions including regulating cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Research has demonstrated that modified citrus pectin can ameliorate cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy, decrease myocardial injury and reduce collagen deposition.

Reduces the Spread of Cancer

Modified citrus pectin has shown great potential to help manage various types of cancer. One study found that treatment with modified citrus pectin significantly inhibited the growth and spread of colon cancer in mouse spleens. Research has also found that modified citrus pectin can reduce the survival of pancreatic cancer cells and increase their susceptibility to infrared radiation. It is believed that modified citrus pectin can reduce the spread of cancer by binding to galectin-3, reducing cancer’s ability to stick to other cells and establish tumours in other parts of the body.

History:

Modified citrus pectin was developed in the late twentieth century when scientists discovered that through altering its molecular structure citrus pectin became more absorbable in the human gut. This has led to modified citrus pectin now being used in the form of health supplements to provide various therapeutic benefits.