What Is Apple Pectin?

Apple pectin is a type of soluble fiber. It comes from apples.

Pectin is used to thicken jams and preserves. But it's also used as a dietary supplement.

In your intestine, pectin mixes with water. That forms a gel-like substance that can ease bowel movements. Some people say apple pectin helps:

• Improve digestive health
• Prevent or treat gastrointestinal disorders
• Prevent or treat metabolic disorders

This article looks at how apple pectin is used, what research says, possible side effects, how to take it, and what to look for.

What Is Apple Pectin?

Pectin is a type of acid. It's found in the cell wall of plants. The main component is galacturonic acid (a type of sugar acid).

Your digestive enzymes can't break down pectin. But gut bacteria can.

Supplement makers modify pectin to make it easier to digest. They do that with chemicals like acetic acid and calcium chloride. This is believed to make it more effective.

Modified citrus pectin (MCP) supplements are more common. But apple pectin supplements are also available.

What Is Apple Pectin Used For?

Alternative medicine practitioners believe apple pectin can prevent or treat many conditions. These include:

• Colon cancer
• Constipation
• Diabetes 
• Diarrhea 
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• High cholesterol
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 
• Metabolic syndrome 
• Ulcerative colitis

Of these, possible uses, the best research so far is for diarrhea, high cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer.

Diarrhea

Some early research suggests apple pectin may help relieve diarrhea.

A German study gave apple pectin and chamomile extract to children with bouts of diarrhea. It involved 255 children between 6 months and 6 years old. Some got a placebo.

Others took a commercial preparation called Diarrhoesan. It contained:

• 320 milligrams (mg) of apple pectin
• 250 mg of camomile extract

Researchers said the children treated with Diarrhoesan had more symptom improvement than those who weren't.

A 2015 Chinese study looked at pectin powder. It involved:

• 87 adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D)
• 24 grams of apple pectin per day
• A course of 29 months

Compared to a control group, those taking pectin saw a bigger drop in symptoms.

High Cholesterol

Apple pectin may help lower cholesterol. One study suggests it can lower "bad" LDL cholesterol between 7% and 10%.

LDL cholesterol builds up on arterial walls. That leads to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Pectin works by binding to bile in the intestines. Bile breaks down fat so it can be absorbed into your bloodstream.

Diabetes

Some pectins may reduce blood sugar. They bind to carbohydrates in the stomach and intestine. This helps keep carbs from being broken down into sugars, namely:

• Glucose
• Fructose
• Galactose

However, a 2016 review reported apple pectin didn't reduce blood sugars. The insulin response was the same as with a placebo.

Soybean pectin appears to have a greater effect on blood glucose levels. It may help with diabetes control when added to other treatments.

Cancer

Alternative practitioners often tout apple pectin as a cancer-fighter. That's because it can bind to an intestinal enzyme called beta-glucuronidase (β-glucuronidase).

The enzyme comes from fecal bacteria. It's closely associated with colon cancer.

A review of test-tube studies confirmed apple pectin could suppress β-glucuronidase in test-tube studies. Animal studies also suggest a benefit.

Still, there's no evidence yet that it works in humans.

By contrast, modified citrus pectin appears to lower the risk of metastasis (spreading cancer) in mice. It does so by blocking the formation of blood vessels that "feed" tumors.

This activity happens in the bloodstream. Apple pectin works in the intestines.

Possible Side Effects

Apple pectin is generally safe. Even so, it may cause side effects such as:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Stomach cramps

These tend to be mild. They may go away with a smaller dose.

Pectin can interfere with the absorption of beta-carotene. That's an important antioxidant in colorful plants and fruits.

Low beta-carotene can lead to vitamin A deficiency. That can cause:

• Dry skin
• Dry eyes
• Night blindness
• Impaired fertility
• Higher risk of throat and chest infection

Pectin can also interfere with how you absorb certain drugs. These include:

• Digoxin
• Mevacor (lovastatin)
• Tetracycline antibiotics

Let your healthcare provider know if you're using apple pectin.

Dosage and Preparation

You can buy apple pectin supplements online or stores that carry supplements. They usually come in capsule form or as a powder. The powder can be mixed with water or juice.

Guidelines for safe and effective use of apple pectin aren't established. Most manufacturers recommend a daily dose of between 1,000 mg and 1,400 mg.

It's best to take it 30 minutes before a meal. Then it can bind with excess water, fat, or carbohydrates in your intestine.

For children, two daily dosages totaling between 350 mg and 750 mg is believed to be safe. Talk to their healthcare provider before using apple pectin—or any other antidiarrheal remedy—in children.

What to Look For

Dietary supplements aren't strictly regulated in the United States. It's difficult to know which are good or not-so-good.

Look for brands certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They're less likely to have harmful substances like pesticides.

Also, opt for brands tested by an independent certifying body. These include:

• U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
• ConsumerLab
• NSF International

This lets you know it contains the ingredients and amounts on the label.

Store apple pectin at room temperature in an airtight container. Never use a supplement past its expiration date. Discard any supplement that's water-damaged and any powder that's clumpy or gelled.

Summary

Pectin comes from plant cells. Apple pectin may help treat diarrhea, high cholesterol, and diabetes. While less likely, it may have some anti-cancer benefits. More research is needed.

Watch for side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if apple pectin is safe for you.

Apple pectin supplements are widely available. Follow the dosing instructions on the label.

Choose products that are organic and third-party tested to ensure they contain what the label says.