Modified citrus pectin

Modified citrus pectin (also known as citrus pectin, Pecta-Sol and MCP) is a modified, more digestible form of pectin.[1] It is obtained from the peels, seeds and pulp of citrus fruits using a chemical extraction process.[2][3][4]

MCP is promoted in dietary supplement form as an alternative cancer treatment and is under research for its potential to "increase dramatically the efficiency of a conventional chemotherapy,"[2] but there is no evidence MCP prevents or treats cancer in humans.[1][3]

Cancer treatment

MCP is promoted with claims it can help treat prostate cancer and melanoma.[3] Although some research has been undertaken, there is no evidence MCP prevents or treats cancer in humans.[1][3]

Toxicity and side effects

Although modified citrus pectin is more easily digested than natural citrus pectin,[3] individuals with allergies or sensitivities to citrus may experience diarrhea or stomach discomfort when taking either type of citrus pectin.[3][5]

In general, pectins are considered as safe ingredients used over decades for emulsifying manufactured foods; accordingly, pectin and MCP are considered GRAS by the US Food and Drug Administration.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Ades TB, ed. (2009). Modified citrus pectin. American Cancer Society Complete Guide to Complementary and Alternative Cancer Therapies (2nd ed.) (American Cancer Society). pp. 651–654. ISBN 9780944235713.
  2. 1 2 Glinsky VV, Raz A (September 2009). "Modified citrus pectin anti-metastatic properties: one bullet, multiple targets". Carbohydr. Res. (Review) 344 (14): 1788–91. doi:10.1016/j.carres.2008.08.038. PMC 2782490. PMID 19061992.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "What is modified citrus pectin?". Cancer Research UK. Retrieved September 2014. It has also not shown any activity in fighting cancer in people
  4. 1 2 "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. Retrieved 22 October 2015.
  5. ↑ "Pectin". Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. 31 July 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2015.


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Thursday, October 22, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.