Finally, this fiber is a key component of time-release coatings used in some medications ( 6). Summary

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182 These results warrant further research of pectin as a drug delivery system. Insufficient Evidence for: 1) Diabetes

In a 4-week study in 80 people with slow-transit constipation, those who consumed 24 grams of pectin daily had higher populations of healthy bacteria in their gut and fewer symptoms of constipation than a control group ( 37). In a study of 94 Chernobyl children with high to moderate levels of a radioactive chemical element (cesium-137), apple pectin (5 g of Vitapect) given for 16 days reduced radiation damage and levels of the radioactive element [ 54].

Specifically, one study in rats found that pectin promoted fullness and decreased calorie intake to a greater extent than a high protein diet. Similar studies have noted that pectin increased the levels of satiety — or fullness — hormones in mice ( 32, 33, 34). Helps with gastrointestinal issues 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. In cigars, pectin is considered an excellent substitute for vegetable glue and many cigar smokers and collectors use pectin for repairing damaged tobacco leaves on their cigars.Do you know the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber? Find out and learn how to get your recommended daily dietary fiber. READ MORE

Pectin binds substances in the intestines and adds bulk to the stools. It might also reduce how much cholesterol the body absorbs from foods. Pectin is generally safe for human consumption. However, a fiber mixture with pectin (20 g/day for 15 weeks) caused some gut-related side effects such as diarrhea, flatulence, and loose stools in a clinical trial [ 19]. 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.

Pectin is used in confectionery jellies to give a good gel structure, a clean bite and to confer a good flavour release. Pectin can also be used to stabilise acidic protein drinks, such as drinking yogurt, to improve the mouth-feel and the pulp stability in juice based drinks and as a fat substitute in baked goods. [30] Homemade pectin is simple to make if you have access to an adequate supply of tart, green, and slightly underripe apples. Just follow these easy instructions: How To Make Homemade Pectin Thiolated pectin exhibits substantially improved gelling properties since this thiomer is able to crosslink via disulfide bond formation. These high gelling properties are advantageous for various pharmaceutical applications and applications in food industry. [25] [26] [27]

Most people don’t know this, but it’s easy to make your own homemade pectin! This is a great natural alternative to the commercial variety. It can be added to fruit that is low in pectin for a jam or jelly that is soft set. Waterhouse ET, Washington C, Washington N. An investigation into the efficacy of the pectin based anti-reflux formulation-Aflurax. Int J Pharm 2000;209:79-85.. View abstract. Zy Z, Liang L, Fan X, Yu Z, Hotchkiss AT, Wilk BJ, Eliaz I."The role of modified citrus pectin as an effective chelator of lead in children hospitalised with toxic lead levels", Altern Ther Health Med. 2008 Jul-Aug;14(4):34-8.In a study on over 1,100 formula-fed infants, pectin acidic oligosaccharides were well tolerated and improved stool consistency. However, they failed to act as a prebiotic in a small trial on 15 infants [ 50, 51] 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 In 5 clinical trials on almost 400 people with high cholesterol, a mixture of fibers that included pectin (15-20 g/day), reduced total and LDL cholesterol but didn’t change HDL or triglyceride levels [ 18, 19, 4, 20, 21]. A meta-analysis of 67 clinical trials and almost 3,000 people concluded that pectin lowered LDL and total cholesterol but didn’t change HDL or triglyceride levels [ 23].