Apple pectin may be just one more reason why the phrase “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” has endured. What exactly is pectin? It's a complex carbohydrate, a soluble fiber found in the walls of plant cells.  The actual amount of pectin found in the cells varies by each plant. Overall, pectin content is typically higher in legumes and certain fruits. For instance, apple, grapefruit, orange and apricot are known to have high levels of pectin. There are many health benefits associated with pectin including:

regulating the digestive system

lowering blood pressure

lowering glucose levels

lowering  bad cholesterol levels

While pectin alone certainly has a number of health benefits, apple pectin in particular has some other medicinal advantages. Its primary use is as a natural remedy for digestive disorders. Since apple pectin is high in fiber, it is used to help regulate bowel movements. It can help firm stools and reduce inflammation associated with diarrhea, as well as help with constipation. It is also used to help treat colitis, irritable bowel disease, and other related digestive disorders.  

Pectin is a fiber found in fruits. It is used to make medicine.

People use pectin for high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and to prevent colon cancer and prostate cancer. It is also used for diabetes and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some people use pectin to prevent poisoning caused by lead, strontium, and other heavy metals.

Pectin was used for years in combination with kaolin (Kaopectate) to control diarrhea. However, in April 2003, the FDA found ruled 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.

Some people apply pectin to the skin to protect raw or ulcerated mouth and throat sores.

Pectin is used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. In manufacturing, pectin is an ingredient in some denture adhesives.

How does it work?

Pectin binds substances in the intestine and adds bulk to the stools.

Other Names:

Acide Pectinique, Acide Pectique, Apple Pectin, Citrus 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.