What is Modified Citrus Pectin?

Pectin is a type of carbohydrate found in the skin and pulp of various fruits such as apples, pears, guavas, oranges and other citrus fruits and is said to prevent the spread of cancer and lower the risk of heart disease – amongst other claims. Although regular pectin is not digestible, chemically altered modified citrus pectin (MCP) is and once in the blood stream is believed to have numerous benefits on human health.

Heavy Metal Detox

MCP is able to bind to common toxins and excrete them from the body. It has been found to flush the body of these toxins without altering the retention of other nutritional minerals. One study of children with lead toxicity found that when given MCP their lead levels dropped to an acceptable level within 2-4 weeks.

Reduces the spread of cancer

It is believed that MCP can reduce the spread of cancer by binding to an important protein called galectin-3. This protein is thought to contribute to metastasis (spread of cancer) by playing a role in cell adhesion, circulating cancer cells to other organs and tissues. By binding to galectin-3, MCP reduces cancer’s ability to stick to other cells and therefore establish tumours in other parts of the body.

A number of studies have been carried out into the benefit of MCP on various different cancers; however the most advanced research has been into prostate cancer. A study in 2019 of men with prostate cancer found that after taking MCP for six months, 70% of the participants had an improvement in PSADT values (a blood test used to measure the progression of disease).

May reduce risk of heart disease

A study found that galectin-3 may play a role in the development of atherosclerosis, or ‘hardening of arteries’. The study found mice fed a high cholesterol diet that were given MCP had 50% less plaque in their aortic arch than mice that were not given MCP. According to these findings, MCP’s ability to bind to galectin-3 blocks its adhesive properties, reducing its ability to ‘stick’ fat cells to the walls of arteries, therefore MCP may complement other drugs typically used to prevent of treat atherosclerosis.

How to take Modified Citrus Pectin

Although pectin can be found in various fruits, it cannot be absorbed in this way by the human digestive tract, whereas a supplement such as our Modified Citrus Pectin has been modified to shorten the molecular chain, creating smaller polysaccharide fragments that are easily absorbed and utilised in the body.

Sources:

https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.e16609

https://academic.oup.com/glycob/article/23/6/654/1988721