Modified Citrus Pectin Educational Handout
What is it?
Citrus pectin is a water-soluble polysaccharide found abundantly in the pulp and peel of citrus fruits. Modified citrus pectin, MCP, is created by a depolymerization process providing a lower molecular weight compound with optimal pH.
Features Include:
- The molecular weight of MCP is between 10,000-20,000 daltons while the pH is typically 5.3-6.8. This enhances the absorption and bioavailability of MCP. A low degree of methylation (less than 10%) enhances the potential for MCP galactoside residues to bind with galactose-binding lectin proteins. By doing so, MCP moderates the interactions of these proteins with other cells in the body, helping to maintain healthy tissues.
- These characteristics of PectaSol® Modified Citrus Pectin are consistent with the research conducted by Dr. Kenneth J. Pienta, MD, who discovered some of the most important cellular support properties of MCP.
Uses of Modified Citrus Pectin:
- In a pilot clinical trial, PectaSol MCP supported prostate health in men. Additional studies suggest that MCP has the potential to support lung, breast, colon, skin, and larynx health. Modified citrus pectin has the potential to moderate interactions between cells, which helps to maintain healthy tissues. Its ability to bind to galactose-binding lectins is the proposed mechanism by which it supports healthy cells.*
How much is usually taken?
Pure Encapsulations recommends up to 15g of MCP (3 scoops of 5 g. MCP powder) daily, in divided doses, mixed with a liquid. For those who desire MCP in capsule form, 1-6 capsules (800 mg. per capsule) three times daily is recommended.
Are there any side effects or precautions?
There does not appear to be any side effects associated with the use of modified citrus pectin.
Potential drug interactions:
There are no reported drug interactions with MCP at this time.
References:
1.) Stephen Strum MD, Mark Scholz MD, Jon McDermed Pharm D, Michael McCulloch BA, Isaac Eliaz MD. Modified Citrus Pectin Slows PSA Doubling Time: A Pilot Clinical Trial. International Conference on Diet and Prevention of Cancer, May 1999, Tampere, Finland.
2.) Pienta KJ et al. Inhibition of spontaneous metastasis in a rat prostate cancer model by oral administration of modified citrus pectin. J Natl Cancer Inst 1995 Mar 1;87(5):348-53.
3.) Hsieh TC, Wu JM. Changes in cell growth, cyclin/kinase, endogenous phosphoproteins and nm23 gene expression in human prostatic JCA-1 cells treated with modified citrus pectin. Biochem Mol Biol Int 1995 Nov;37(5):833-41.
4.) Hayashi A, Gillen AC, Lott JR. Effects of daily oral administration of quercetin chalcone and modified citrus pectin. Altern Med Rev 2000 Dec;5(6):546-52.
5.) Inohara H, Raz A. Effects of natural complex carbohydrate (citrus pectin) on murine melanoma cell properties related to galectin-3 functions. Glycoconj J 1994 Dec;11(6):527-32.
6.) Platt D, Raz A. Modulation of the lung colonization of B16-F1 melanoma cells by citrus pectin. J Natl Cancer Inst 1992 Mar 18;84(6):438-42.
7.) Tania Weiss PhD, Michael McCulloch BA, Isaac Eliaz MD. Modified Citrus Pectin Induces Cytotoxicity of Prostate Cancer Cells in Co-cultures with Human Endothelial Monolayers. International Conference on Diet and Prevention of Cancer, May 1999, Tampere, Finland.
8.) Parris M. Kidd, PhD. A New Approach to Metastatic Cancer Prevention: Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP), A Unique Pectin that Blocks Cell Surface Lectins. Alt Med Rev 1996;1:4-10.
9.) Naik, H, et. al. Inhibition of in vitro tumor cell-endothelial adhesion by modified citrus pectin: a pH modified natural complex carbohydrate. Proc Annu Meet Am Assoc Cancer Res; 36:A377 1995.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*This is a statement of nutritional support. This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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