Unsolved:Modified citrus pectin
Modified citrus pectin (also known as citrus pectin, Pecta-Sol and MCP) is a modified, more digestible form of pectin. It is obtained from the peels, seeds and pulp of citrus fruits using a chemical extraction process.[1]
Uses
Modified citrus pectin is promoted and sold as a dietary supplement.
Composition and characteristics
In general, pectins are gel-forming polysaccharides from plant cell walls, especially apple and citrus fruits. A type of viscous dietary fiber, pectins vary in the length of their polysaccharide chains. Although pectin are not digestible by humans, they can be treated to create smaller fiber fragments to increase absorbability across the small intestine epithelium.
Modified citrus pectin is obtained by treating pectin with pH and temperature changes.[2]
Pharmacology
MCP is under research for its potential to increase the efficiency of a conventional chemotherapy, but there is no evidence MCP prevents or treats cancer in humans.[3] As of 2008, only three low quality studies burdened with conflicts of interest had been published about its potential as a chelating agent.[4]
Safety and adverse effects
In general, pectins are considered as safe ingredients used as emulsifiers and gelling agents in manufactured foods; accordingly, pectin and MCP are generally recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration.[1]
Although modified citrus pectin is more easily digested than natural citrus pectin, individuals with allergies or sensitivities to citrus may experience diarrhea or stomach discomfort when taking either type of citrus pectin.[3][5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Pectins, Section 184.1588". US Food and Drug Administration, Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Listing of Specific Substances Affirmed as GRAS. 7 November 1983. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1588.
- ↑ "Chemical modification of citrus pectin: Structural, physical and rheologial implications" (in en). International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 109: 784–792. 2018-04-01. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.11.060. ISSN 0141-8130. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813017323346.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Pectin". Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. 31 July 2013. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/pectin.
- ↑ Crinnion, Walter (2008-12-04). "Is modified citrus pectin an effective mobilizer of heavy metals in humans?". Alternative Medicine Review 13 (4): 283–286. ISSN 1089-5159. PMID 19238763. http://www.altmedrev.com/archive/publications/13/4/283.pdf.
- ↑ "Modified citrus pectin | Complementary and Alternative therapy | Cancer Research UK". https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/modified-citrus-pectin-mcp.
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