Research

Pectin

38 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

1
Meta-analyses
1
Systematic reviews
35
RCTs
1
Other studies
Meta-analyses (3%)
Systematic reviews (3%)
RCTs (92%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·Clinical nutrition ESPEN·Hui-Bin Huang, Yi-Bing Zhu, Da-Xing Yu

Use of pectin-supplemented enteral nutrition in intensive care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 1,405Gut Health Nutrition Immunity

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 trials with 1,405 ICU patients evaluating pectin-supplemented enteral nutrition (PSEN). PSEN significantly reduced the risk of diarrhea, infectious complications, ICU and hospital length of stay, and intestinal intolerance symptoms, but did not affect mortality.

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2022·Nutrients·Nélida Pascale, Fangjie Gu, Nadja Larsen, et al

The Potential of Pectins to Modulate the Human Gut Microbiota Evaluated by In Vitro Fermentation: A Systematic Review.

Systematic reviewGut Health

Systematic review of in vitro studies on pectin's effect on human gut microbiota. Pectin is slowly but completely fermented, increasing acetate production and gut bacterial communities. Structural factors like methyl esterification and molecular weight influence gut microbiota modulation.

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2025·Carbohydrate polymers·Francisca Gómez, Natalia Pérez-Sánchez, Andrea Macías-Camero, et al

Multi-omics analysis of a prebiotic intervention with pectin in lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) allergic patients.

RCTImmunity Gut Health Inflammation

RCT evaluating the effects of low methoxyl citrus-derived pectin and high methoxyl apple-derived pectin in peach allergic patients. Pectin treatment increased allergen tolerance, decreased inflammatory cytokines, and altered gut microbiota composition, suggesting a promising and safe option for LTP allergy.

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2022·The American journal of gastroenterology·Taishi Koyama, Naoyoshi Nagata, Kengo Nishiura, et al

Prune Juice Containing Sorbitol, Pectin, and Polyphenol Ameliorates Subjective Complaints and Hard Feces While Normalizing Stool in Chronic Constipation: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

RCTGut Health

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Japanese subjects with chronic constipation. Prune juice intake significantly decreased hard and lumpy stools, increased normal stool, and ameliorated subjective complaints of constipation without adverse events.

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2022·International journal of food sciences and nutrition·Gissele V R Gonçalves, Raíssa Canova, Sidia M Callegari-Jacques, et al

Short-term intestinal effects of water intake in fibre supplementation in healthy, low-habitual fibre consumers: a phase 2 clinical trial.

RCTn = 20Gut Health

A randomized clinical trial on 20 healthy, low-habitual fibre consumers assessed the short-term effects of water intake on fibre supplementation with wheat bran, pectin, and green banana flour. Both fibre and fibre/water interventions increased weekly bowel movements, while faecal weight increased in the fibre/water group. Transient abdominal symptoms were less frequent in the fibre/water group.

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2021·Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition·Thanon Khongcharoensombat, Autthapon Khemtong, Narisorn Lakananurak

Pectin-containing compared with standard polymeric formula in enteral nutrition: A randomized controlled parallel study in Thailand.

RCTn = 30Gut Health -Nutrition -

RCT comparing a pectin-containing enteral formula to a standard polymeric formula in 30 hospitalized patients with tube feeding. No significant difference was found in gastrointestinal symptoms or nutritional indicators. The pectin-containing formula was noted to simplify medical care.

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2020·Medicine and science in sports and exercise·Shaun Sutehall, Stuart D R Galloway, Andrew Bosch, et al

Addition of an Alginate Hydrogel to a Carbohydrate Beverage Enhances Gastric Emptying.

RCTn = 8

This study examined the effect of adding sodium alginate and pectin to a concentrated carbohydrate beverage on gastric-emptying rate in eight healthy men. The addition of sodium alginate and pectin enhanced early gastric emptying rate but did not affect serum glucose, insulin, or nonesterified fatty acid concentrations.

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2019·Nutrients·Ran An, Ellen Wilms, Agnieszka Smolinska, et al

Sugar Beet Pectin Supplementation Did Not Alter Profiles of Fecal Microbiota and Exhaled Breath in Healthy Young Adults and Healthy Elderly.

RCTn = 100

RCT comparing the effects of sugar beet pectin supplementation to maltodextrin on fecal microbiota, SCFA, and exhaled VOC profiles in 52 young adults and 48 elderly over four weeks. Pectin supplementation did not significantly alter these profiles in either group.

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2017·Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition·Fengchan Xi, Xingwei Xu, Shanjun Tan, et al

Efficacy and safety of pectin-supplemented enteral nutrition in intensive care: a randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 125Gut Health

RCT of 125 ICU patients comparing standard enteral nutrition (EN) to pectin-supplemented EN. The pectin group showed reduced gastrointestinal intolerance, shorter times to reach full EN, and shorter ICU and hospital stays, indicating improved clinical outcomes.

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2014·Nutrition journal·David M Savastano, Rebecca J Hodge, Derek J Nunez, et al

Effect of two dietary fibers on satiety and glycemic parameters: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory study.

RCTn = 96Nutrition -

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of oligofructose and pectin supplementation on satiety and glycemic parameters in 96 overweight and obese subjects over 3 weeks. The study found no statistically significant difference in energy intake among the treatment groups, although there was a directional benefit in energy intake reduction for both doses compared to control.

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2014·Zhonghua yi xue za zhi·Lin Xu, Wenkui Yu, Jun Jiang, et al

[Clinical benefits after soluble dietary fiber supplementation: a randomized clinical trial in adults with slow-transit constipation].

RCTn = 80Gut Health Nutrition

RCT of 80 adults with slow-transit constipation comparing 24 g/d pectin supplementation to placebo for 4 weeks. Pectin reduced colon transit time, improved constipation symptoms, and increased beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

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2012·Journal of clinical lipidology·Patrick M Moriarty, James Backes, Julie-Ann Dutton, et al

Apple pectin for the reduction of niacin-induced flushing.

RCTn = 100

RCT with 100 niacin-naïve subjects testing apple pectin, apple pectin + aspirin, aspirin, or placebo for niacin-induced flushing. Apple pectin and aspirin significantly lowered the duration of flushing, with nonsignificant improvements in other parameters compared to placebo.

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2011·European journal of clinical nutrition·F Brouns, E Theuwissen, A Adam, et al

Cholesterol-lowering properties of different pectin types in mildly hyper-cholesterolemic men and women.

RCTHeart Health

Cross-over studies evaluated different types of pectin in mildly hyper-cholesterolemic individuals, comparing 15 g/day pectin to cellulose over 4 weeks. Citrus and apple pectin with high degree of esterification (DE) and molecular weight (MW) showed significant LDL cholesterol reduction. Pectin source and type affect cholesterol lowering, suggesting EFSA should require characterization of DE and MW for claims.

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2004·Swiss medical weekly·G S Bandazhevskaya, V B Nesterenko, V I Babenko, et al

Relationship between caesium (137Cs) load, cardiovascular symptoms, and source of food in 'Chernobyl' children -- preliminary observations after intake of oral apple pectin.

RCT

Study on children from rural Belarus with varying levels of 137Cs contamination. Apple pectin was administered for 16 days to children with moderate and high 137Cs loads, significantly decreasing 137Cs levels by 39% and 28%, respectively. ECG alterations improved, but cardiovascular symptoms and hypertension did not change.

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2018·Science China. Life sciences·Xueying Zhang, Hongliang Tian, Lili Gu, et al

Long-term follow-up of the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation in combination with soluble dietary fiber as a therapeutic regimen in slow transit constipation.

RCTn = 31Gut Health

Single-center, open-label trial studying the long-term effect of fecal microbiota transplantation combined with soluble dietary fiber (pectin) on slow transit constipation (STC) in 31 adult patients. The study found that the combination had both short-term and long-term efficacy in treating STC, with improvements in clinical remission rates, stool consistency, and constipation symptoms.

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2017·Clinical nutrition ESPEN·Isao Tabei, Shigeru Tsuchida, Tetsuro Akashi, et al

Effects of a novel method for enteral nutrition infusion involving a viscosity-regulating pectin solution: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 34Gut Health

Multicenter RCT involving 34 patients comparing a viscosity-regulating pectin solution in enteral nutrition (EN) management to conventional methods. The pectin solution showed a favorable trend in clinical symptoms, reduced infusion duration, and improved stool form, indicating potential advantages in patient quality of life.

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2014·Physiology & behavior·Anne J Wanders, Edith J M Feskens, Melliana C Jonathan, et al

Pectin is not pectin: a randomized trial on the effect of different physicochemical properties of dietary fiber on appetite and energy intake.

RCTn = 29Energy

Randomized crossover study with 29 subjects investigating the effects of different physicochemical properties of pectin on appetite and energy intake. Gelled pectin reduced appetite compared to other forms, delayed gastric emptying, and lowered insulin responses. Different methods of supplementation resulted in distinct metabolic parameters.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2014·Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·Ángela Jaramillo, Lautaro Briones, Mónica Andrews, et al

Effect of phytic acid, tannic acid and pectin on fasting iron bioavailability both in the presence and absence of calcium.

RCTn = 28Nutrition

The study investigated the effect of phytic acid, tannic acid, and pectin on fasting non-heme iron bioavailability in the presence and absence of calcium in 28 healthy adult females. Tannic acid was found to decrease iron bioavailability, but this effect was not observed in the presence of calcium. Phytic acid and pectin showed no significant effect on iron bioavailability.

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2014·Food & function·Kirstyn Logan, Amanda J Wright, H Douglas Goff

Correlating the structure and in vitro digestion viscosities of different pectin fibers to in vivo human satiety.

RCTn = 25Nutrition

The study examined the effects of different pectin fibers on in vitro digestion viscosities and in vivo human satiety. High methoxyl, low methoxyl, and low methoxyl amidated pectins were tested in orange juice solutions. Low methoxyl pectin showed the greatest effects on subjective satiety ratings, while high methoxyl pectin had lower effects, and low methoxyl amidated pectin had no effect. There was no strong correlation between in vitro viscosity and in vivo satiety scores.

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2014·BMC veterinary research·Michelle C Woodward, Nan K Huff, Frank Garza, et al

Effect of pectin, lecithin, and antacid feed supplements (Egusin®) on gastric ulcer scores, gastric fluid pH and blood gas values in horses.

RCTn = 9Gut Health

This study evaluated the effects of Egusin 250 and Egusin SLH feed supplements on gastric ulcer scores, gastric fluid pH, and blood gas values in stall-confined horses. The study found that by day 35, horses treated with Egusin products had less severe gastric ulcers compared to untreated controls, suggesting a positive effect on gut health.

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2011·JPEN. Journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition·Antwan Atia, Fernand Girard-Pipau, Xavier Hébuterne, et al

Macronutrient absorption characteristics in humans with short bowel syndrome and jejunocolonic anastomosis: starch is the most important carbohydrate substrate, although pectin supplementation may modestly enhance short chain fatty acid production and fluid absorption.

RCTn = 6Gut Health

RCT studying the effect of a pectin-based supplement in 6 subjects with short bowel syndrome and jejunocolonic anastomosis. Pectin supplementation was associated with increased fecal short-chain fatty acids and a trend toward greater fluid absorption, suggesting enhanced colonic SCFA production.

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2008·BMC gastroenterology·Reiko Miyazawa, Takeshi Tomomasa, Hiroaki Kaneko, et al

Effects of pectin liquid on gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with cerebral palsy.

RCTn = 18Gut Health

RCT involving 18 children with cerebral palsy and gastroesophageal reflux disease, comparing high-pectin, low-pectin, and non-pectin diets. High-pectin diet significantly decreased esophageal acid exposure, reflux episodes, and vomiting. Both pectin concentrations reduced cough scores.

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2007·Neurogastroenterology and motility·Y Shimoyama, M Kusano, O Kawamura, et al

High-viscosity liquid meal accelerates gastric emptying.

RCTn = 11

RCT with 11 healthy volunteers testing the effect of adding pectin to an elemental formula on gastric emptying. Pectin increased the viscosity of enteral nutrition and accelerated gastric emptying, with higher plasma glucose levels observed at 60 minutes after ingestion.

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2000·American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses·A A Schultz, B Ashby-Hughes, R Taylor, et al

Effects of pectin on diarrhea in critically ill tube-fed patients receiving antibiotics.

RCTn = 44Gut Health

RCT of 44 critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition and antibiotics, randomized to fiber-containing or fiber-free tube feedings with pectin or placebo. Fewer subjects in the fiber-free/placebo and fiber/pectin groups experienced diarrhea compared to the fiber/placebo group. The study suggests a trend towards less diarrhea in the fiber/pectin group, but further research is needed.

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1997·European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology·T Havelund, C Aalykke, L Rasmussen

Efficacy of a pectin-based anti-reflux agent on acid reflux and recurrence of symptoms and oesophagitis in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

RCTn = 88Gut Health

Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT examining the efficacy of the pectin-based anti-reflux agent Aflurax in patients with healed oesophagitis. Aflurax significantly delayed recurrence of moderate or severe heartburn and erosive oesophagitis, though acid exposure was not significantly reduced.

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1983·The British journal of nutrition·L Hillman, S Peters, A Fisher, et al

Differing effects of pectin, cellulose and lignin on stool pH, transit time and weight.

RCT

Randomized cross-over studies assessed the effects of dietary supplements of pectin, cellulose, and lignin on stool characteristics in healthy volunteers. Cellulose lowered stool pH, decreased transit time, and increased stool weight significantly, while lignin showed non-significant changes. Pectin had no significant effects.

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1975·Lancet (London, England)·D J Jenkins, C Newton, A R Leeds, et al

Effect of pectin, guar gum, and wheat fibre on serum-cholesterol.

RCTHeart Health

RCT administering 36g of wheat fibre, pectin, or guar gum over 2-week periods to healthy volunteers. Mean serum-cholesterol levels fell significantly with guar gum and pectin, but rose slightly with wheat fibre. Suggests fruit and vegetable gels as potential natural hypocholesterolaemic agents.

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1997·The American journal of gastroenterology·R C Thirlby, R Kelly

Pectin and methyl cellulose do not affect intestinal function in patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

RCTn = 13Gut Health -

A 9-week crossover study with 13 patients who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis assessed the effects of pectin and methyl cellulose (Citrucel) supplementation on intestinal function. The study found no significant effect of either supplement on stool frequency, pouch function, bloating, stool consistency, or continence.

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1996·Zeitschrift fur Ernahrungswissenschaft·T Remer, K Pietrzik, F Manz

The short-term effect of dietary pectin on plasma levels and renal excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

RCTn = 6

Randomized crossover trial with 6 healthy male volunteers studying the effect of pectin on plasma levels and renal excretion of DHEAS. Pectin intake affected plasma concentrations of DHEAS and cholesterol, but not urinary DHEAS or other plasma analytes.

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1988·Gastroenterology·C Di Lorenzo, C M Williams, F Hajnal, et al

Pectin delays gastric emptying and increases satiety in obese subjects.

RCTn = 9Nutrition

RCT in 9 obese subjects evaluating the effect of adding 15 g of pectin to a meal on gastric emptying and satiety. Pectin significantly delayed gastric emptying time and increased sensation of satiety compared to methylcellulose control. Postprandial release of cholecystokinin and pancreatic polypeptide was not modified.

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1988·Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology·N Washington, C G Wilson, J L Greaves, et al

An investigation into the floating behaviour of a pectin-containing anti-reflux formulation (FF5005) by means of gamma scintigraphy.

RCTn = 6

The study investigated the gastric distribution and residence time of a pectin-containing formulation, FF5005, using gamma scintigraphy in six healthy volunteers. FF5005 was shown to float and form a discrete phase on top of the stomach contents, emptying more slowly than the food, with a T50 of 4.13 hours compared to 2.17 hours for the meal.

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1987·International journal of clinical pharmacology, therapy, and toxicology·K C Gupta, N K Desai, R S Satoskar, et al

Effect of pectin and kaolin on bioavailability of co-trimoxazole suspension.

RCTn = 8

Bioavailability study of co-trimoxazole suspension with and without pectin and kaolin in 8 volunteers. AUC and Cmax of trimethoprim were significantly higher without pectin-kaolin, suggesting potential interaction affecting drug absorption.

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1983·Human nutrition. Clinical nutrition·A D Challen, W J Branch, J H Cummings

The effect of pectin and wheat bran on platelet function and haemostatis in man.

RCTn = 11Heart Health -

RCT with 11 healthy volunteers testing the effect of pectin and wheat bran on platelet function and haemostasis. Pectin significantly lowered serum cholesterol concentrations, but neither pectin nor wheat bran altered platelet aggregation, platelet fatty acid composition, blood clot lysis time, or bleeding times.

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1983·Gut·P A Speth, J B Jansen, C B Lamers

Effect of acarbose, pectin, a combination of acarbose with pectin, and placebo on postprandial reactive hypoglycaemia after gastric surgery.

RCTn = 9

Double-blind study comparing the effects of acarbose, pectin, a combination of acarbose with pectin, and placebo on postprandial glucose and insulin levels in nine patients with previous gastric surgery. Acarbose and its combination with pectin significantly inhibited postprandial peak glucose concentration and increased the lowest plasma glucose concentration. The combination also inhibited the plasma insulin peak. Hypoglycaemic symptoms were reduced with acarbose treatments.

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1981·Lancet (London, England)·A R Leeds, D N Ralphs, F Ebied, et al

Pectin in the dumping syndrome: reduction of symptoms and plasma volume changes.

RCTn = 12

Twelve patients with dumping syndrome were given oral hypertonic glucose with and without added pectin. Symptoms were reduced or abolished in patients after glucose with pectin, with significantly less plasma volume changes and no hypoglycemia at 120 minutes. Gastric emptying was prolonged and serum insulin levels were lower with pectin, suggesting its potential utility in managing dumping symptoms.

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1979·Lancet (London, England)·S Holt, R C Heading, D C Carter, et al

Effect of gel fibre on gastric emptying and absorption of glucose and paracetamol.

RCTn = 14

RCT investigating the effect of pectin and guar gum on gastric emptying and absorption of glucose and paracetamol in healthy volunteers. Pectin significantly reduced blood-glucose levels, and both pectin and guar gum slowed gastric emptying and paracetamol absorption, though total drug absorption was not significantly reduced.

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1976·Lancet (London, England)·D J Jenkins, D V Goff, A R Leeds, et al

Unabsorbable carbohydrates and diabetes: Decreased post-prandial hyperglycaemia.

RCTn = 11Nutrition

RCT with 8 non-insulin-requiring diabetic volunteers and 3 insulin-dependent diabetic subjects testing the addition of 16 g guar and 10 g pectin to meals. This addition significantly decreased post-prandial hyperglycemia and insulin levels, suggesting improved blood-glucose control.

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2015·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·I. Minigalieva, B. Katsnelson, L. Privalova, et al

Attenuation of Combined Nickel(II) Oxide and Manganese(II, III) Oxide Nanoparticles’ Adverse Effects with a Complex of Bioprotectors

Animal study

Animal study investigating the effects of a bio-protective complex (BPC) on the toxicity of NiO and Mn3O4 nanoparticles in rats. The BPC, comprising pectin, vitamins A, C, E, glutamate, glycine, N-acetylcysteine, selenium, iodide, and omega-3 PUFA, attenuated both organ-systemic toxicity and genotoxicity of the nanoparticles.

Semantic ScholarRead on Semantic Scholar