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Pectin is a fiber found in fruits. It is often used as a thickener in cooking and baking. It is also sometimes used to make medicine.
People use pectin for high cholesterol, high triglycerides, heartburn, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Pectin was used for years in combination with kaolin (Kaopectate) to control diarrhea. However, in April 2003, the FDA found that scientific evidence does not 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. As a result, Kaopectate no longer contains pectin and kaolin.
Pectin binds substances in the intestine and adds bulk to the stools.
When taken by mouth: Pectin is LIKELY SAFE when taken in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in larger amounts. When taken by mouth alone or in combination with insoluble fiber (the combination used to lower cholesterol and other blood fats), pectin can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, gas, and loose stools.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Pectin is LIKELY SAFE when taken in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in larger amounts.Children: Pectin is LIKELY SAFE when taken in food amounts. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in larger amounts.
Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Pectin might decrease the amount of tetracycline antibiotics that can be absorbed. Taking pectin with tetracycline antibiotics might decrease the effectiveness of tetracyclines. To avoid this interaction take pectin two hours before or four hours after taking tetracycline antibiotics.
Some tetracycline antibiotics include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin).
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Pectin is high in fiber. Fiber can decrease the absorption and decrease the effectiveness of digoxin (Lanoxin). As a general rule, any medications taken by mouth should be taken one hour before or four hours after pectin to prevent this interaction.
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Lovastatin (Mevacor) is used to help lower cholesterol. Pectin might decrease how much lovastatin (Mevacor) the body absorbs and decrease the effectiveness of lovastatin (Mevacor). To avoid this interaction take pectin at least one hour after lovastatin (Mevacor).
Beta-carotene: Using pectin along with beta-carotene might reduce the amount of beta-carotene that the body takes in and uses.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For high cholesterol: Up to 15 grams of pectin per day have been used.
Acide Pectinique, Acide Pectique, Apple Pectin, Citrus Pectin, Fractionated Pectin, Fruit Pectin, Grapefruit Pectin, Lemon Pectin, MCP, Modified Citrus Pectin, Pectina, Pectine, Pectine d'Agrume, Pectine d'Agrume Modifiée, Pectine de Citron, Pectine de Fruit, Pectine de Pamplemousse, Pectine de Pomme, Pectinic Acid.
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