Modified Citrus Pectin: Uses & The Science Behind It
How many times have you peeled an orange and tossed the pith in the garbage without a second thought? Inside that pale, spongy layer lies pectin, a natural fiber that is anything but trash – it’s a treasure trove of diverse health benefits.
Pectin comes from the pith of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. It goes through your digestive system without being absorbed into the bloodstream – the molecules are too big for your body to break down. So it works in the digestive tract, where it helps get rid of toxins and cleanse the gut.
Exploring Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP)
While the body can’t absorb citrus pectin in its natural form, it can absorb Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP). This type of pectin is very different from regular citrus pectin – it is a digestible form of pectin that’s easy for the body to utilize. And most importantly, MCP is absorbed into the bloodstream.
While MCP starts out as pectin (from orange, lemon, and lime piths), it is transformed via a specialized process into a super nutrient with a unique set of health benefits.
MCP has been studied for decades, and offers dozens of proven health benefits including:
- Robust immune system support*
- Safe, gentle detoxification from heavy metals and environmental toxins*
- Prebiotic properties that promote a healthy, well-balanced gut microbiome*
- Enhanced cardiovascular health and aging*
- Ability to synergize with other other medical protocols and approaches*
Best of all, MCP works as an antidote to unhealthy levels of the protein galectin-3 (more on this later). By binding to this protein and blocking damaging galectin-3 activity, MCP offers untold health possibilities.*
The Transformation of Citrus Pectin
PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin* is the only form of MCP that undergoes a proprietary modification treatment. It involves a combination of pH, enzymatic, and heat modification to reduce the molecular weight of pectin for optimal absorption into the circulation and bioactivity in the body.
Other brands of “modified citrus pectins” are not equivalent to PectaSol, where strict molecular weight and other parameters are maintained, including batch testing to ensure standardization.*
Also, PectaSol is the only MCP that has been used in 85+ peer-reviewed studies. And because your body can absorb it so well, it’s more effective for promoting wellness.* (Note: For the purposes of this blog, all references to MCP refer to PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin.)
Keep reading to get detailed insights into MCP’s health benefits, especially in the area of cellular health, detoxification, and immune system support.*
Versatile Uses of MCP
Detoxification
MCP is a standout supplement when it comes to detoxification, particularly for its remarkable ability to target and eliminate heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. By binding to these toxic metals, MCP facilitates their safe removal from the body, playing a pivotal role in maintaining optimal health.*
Research shows that PectaSol increases the systemic urinary excretion of toxic metals without affecting essential minerals like other binders do. Many other binders work only in the GI tract, whereas PectaSol gets into the circulation systemically.*
PectaSol also promotes healthy kidney and liver function by addressing risk factors of organ damage. PectaSol helps maintain healthy blood sugar, cholesterol levels, proper cellular division, and lower the body’s toxin burden.*
Prolonged exposure to heavy metals can lead to a myriad of health issues, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and immune system dysfunction. Thus, incorporating MCP into a daily detoxification regimen is a proactive way to safeguard your overall well-being.*
The everyday impact of detoxification on health and wellness cannot be overstated. By lowering toxin levels in the body, you can experience high energy levels, improved cognitive function, and enhanced mood. This transformative effect underscores the importance of detoxification as a cornerstone of holistic health practices, paving the way for a vibrant and thriving life.*
Cellular Health Support
MCP works through unique mechanisms to optimize cellular activity and communication. Independent, third-party research and multiple clinical studies continue to demonstrate MCP’s unparalleled ability to promote optimal cell, organ, and tissue function, with extensive benefits for long-term health and wellness.*
More specifically, MCP supports cellular health by aiding in the maintenance and integrity of cells, ensuring their structural stability and functionality. This fortification not only shields cells from external threats but also enhances their resilience against internal stressors. MCP also has the potential to prevent abnormal cellular growth, thus contributing to overall cellular integrity.
The implications of enhanced cellular health extend beyond immediate benefits. Bolstered cellular health equips the body with a more robust defense against diseases, thereby promoting longevity and vitality. In essence, by supporting cellular health, MCP paves the way for a healthier, more resilient future.*
Immune System Enhancement
In today’s global climate, it’s critical to optimize and balance immune function. But what exactly does this mean?
It means we support the immune system so it can quickly detect and neutralize invaders—without going overboard and attacking the body.
This is precisely why PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin is so essential. Extensive research shows how this advanced nutraceutical ingredient works on multiple levels to regulate and optimize immune function:
- Promotes healthy immune cell activity*
- Maintains balanced immune responses*
- Supports a healthy microbiome*
Today, it’s important to know the difference between natural compounds that simply boost immune activity, like echinacea, and multi-dimensional ingredients and formulas that are proven to balance, modulate, and fine-tune immune responses.
This latter category is vital. While immune-boosters like echinacea can send the immune system into overdrive, natural immune-modulating agents work instead to train and optimize immune responses.
Immune modulators support robust immune activity, while at the same time, preventing immune over-reactions — ensuring that vital organs and tissues stay healthy. With its multifaceted, proven immune benefits, PectaSol is at the top of the immune modulator list.*
PectaSol shows powerful immune support properties. One published study showed PectaSol promotes Natural Killer (NK) cell activity and functionality by up to 40%. NK cells are critical immune cells that work to defend against a wide array of invaders.*
What Is Galectin-3?
PectaSol also balances the immune system, so it doesn’t go haywire. It does this by blocking the rogue protein mentioned above, galectin-3 (Gal-3). Excessive Gal-3 can trigger a cascade of overactive immune responses, with severe impacts on the lungs, kidneys, and other vital organs.
For some context, Gal-3 is commonly found in the body in small amounts. But in response to injury, stress, infection, toxin exposure, and other modern-day factors, Gal-3 becomes highly upregulated, driving damaging reactions at the cellular level as well as tissue, organ, and systemic levels. By blocking Gal-3, PectaSol works to calm these responses, promoting optimal immune function and overall organ health.*
Gal-3 can also allow invaders to hide in the body without being detected by immune cells. PectaSol disrupts Gal-3 networks on cell membranes and presents invaders to the immune system, for swift action.
Immunity and Beyond
A well-trained immune system is our lifeline for longevity — but the benefits of PectaSol don’t end here.*
PectaSol delivers essential support to our most critical areas of health, because of its unique ability to block the actions of Gal-3. Over 50 published studies show PectaSol’s unparalleled benefits for cellular health, balanced inflammation responses, oncology support, safe heavy metal and toxin removal, cardiovascular and kidney health, neurological support, and more.*
This is why researchers, healthcare providers, and everyday health seekers around the world are increasingly interested in PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin — a trusted cornerstone of long-term health and immunity.*
PectaSol
Formulated by award-winning Integrative Medicine expert and best-selling author, Isaac Eliaz, MD, PectaSol is clinically-proven and backed by over 85 studies and 6 patents. It has been recommended by thousands of doctors for 30 years to support inflammation responses, immune health and detoxification.*
PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin FAQs
What areas of health has PectaSol been researched in?
Independent, third-party publications continue to demonstrate how PectaSol benefits numerous areas of health, due it’s singular ability to inhibit Gal-3. Research shows PectaSol is helpful in cellular regulation, tissue health, cardiovascular, kidney and liver function; metabolism and weight, cognitive function, immunity, neurological health, digestive and microbiome health, heavy metal body burden, and synergistic enhancement of other compounds and protocols.*
What is the molecular weight and structure of PectaSol, and why is that important?
Research shows that for MCP to enter the circulation, the molecular weight must be between 3-15 kilodaltons, and the molecules must contain less than 10% esterification for optimal bioactivity. As the original and only proven effective form of MCP, only PectaSol has the correct molecular specifications for optimal bioavailability and bioactivity, compared to other MCP products on the market.*
What citrus pectins are used to make PectaSol?
PectaSol MCP is a professional-grade natural product derived from the pith of citrus fruit peels, including lemons, limes and oranges. PectaSol does not contain pectin from grapefruits or Seville oranges. PectaSol undergoes very precise changes in its structure through a proprietary pH and heat-controlled enzymatic process, to produce the only proven effective form of Modified Citrus Pectin. It does not contain any of the peels' pigmented outer skin, flavonoids, or essential oils. There is no vitamin C, citric acid, pulp, or juice in the PectaSol. Nothing is remaining from any of the citrus fruit that has known contraindication with medications. The product is GMO-free, dairy-free, antibiotic, and major allergen-free.
Does PectaSol cause the “Grapefruit Effect”?
Since PectaSol is derived from citrus fruit, there may be an unnecessary concern about the “grapefruit effect.” Bergamottin is a natural furanocoumarin found principally in grapefruit juice. It is also found in the bergamot oil, where it was first isolated and which its name is derived. To a lesser extent, bergamottin is also present in the essential oils of other citrus fruits such as grapefruit and Seville oranges. PectaSol is highly purified 100% Pectin that is not derived from grapefruit or Seville oranges. Along with the chemically related compound 6’,7’-dihydroxybergamottin, it is believed to be responsible for the grapefruit juice effect. The consumption of the juice affects the metabolism of a variety of pharmaceutical drugs. They are inhibitors of some isoforms of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, particularly CYP3A4. This prevents the oxidative metabolism of certain drugs by the enzyme, resulting in an elevated drug concentration in the bloodstream. These compounds responsible for the "grapefruit effect" have never been detected in the PectaSol preparation. Please feel confident that PectaSol does not contain any detectable amount of the non-water-soluble components of grapefruit peels or any pulp and juice components, just purified pectin from the peel pith.
What is the most effective way to dissolve PectaSol powder into liquid?
PectaSol’s state of the art, fine spray-dried powder process, and the differences in regional water supplies, can sometimes make it tricky to mix well with liquid. It is best to use one of the shaker/blender bottles readily available for consistent results and efficiency. The ones with a “whisk” ball work great! Handheld electric mixers are equally great for blending PectaSol powder. Start with scooping out a serving, add water or other liquids, hot or cold. Then either give the bottle a shake or use the handheld mixer.
What is the best liquid to mix PectaSol powder with?
Water is best, but other liquids such as juice can also be used. It's best to stir immediately upon adding the liquid, and even better solubility results may be seen if using warm liquid. PectaSol is heat-stable and can be mixed with hot or cold liquids. Many people love mixing the unflavored powder into their morning coffee.
Can I take PectaSol with other supplements?
We recommend taking other supplements and medications spaced apart from PectaSol. One of PectaSol’s most impressive features is its proven ability to enhance the effects of other compounds and therapies, from herbs and botanicals, to conventional oncology agents. PectaSol is shown in research to significantly enhance benefits of three ecoNugenics formulas:
ProstaCaid — the combination of PectaSol with ProstaCaid provides up to 40% greater benefits for prostate cellular health, compared to using either product alone.*
BreastDefend — the combination of PectaSol with BreastDefend was also shown to provide up to 40% greater benefits for breast cellular health, compared to using either product alone.*
HonoPure 98% Pure Honokiol — when HonoPure and PectaSol are used in combination, they offer significant improvements in antioxidant activity and immune response, compared to either product alone.*
Are there any contraindications or cautions for PectaSol?
Research has shown no toxicity in short or long term use. Since PectaSol is a dietary fiber, some individuals may experience loose stools at the start of use. Although there are no known drug interactions with PectaSol, it is recommended that it be taken separately from other medications. In the production of PectaSol, the ratio of sodium to potassium is carefully controlled to resemble the ratio naturally present. People with a health condition requiring the restriction of potassium or sodium should consult their health care provider before using this product. If you are nursing, pregnant or considering pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to using this product.*
For more FAQs, click here.
4 Ways to Enjoy PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin
Formulated by integrative medicine expert, Isaac Eliaz, MD, and backed by 80+ studies, PectaSol is the original and only clinically proven Modified Citrus Pectin that has been shown to deliver total-body benefits. Choose from four different types:
PectaSol Powder (our most popular form), in Unflavored and Lime-Infusion (makes a refreshing sugar-free beverage); comes in Small (30 servings) and Large (90 servings)
PectaSol Capsules, available in 90-count and 270-count bottles
PectaSol Chewables, in Tangerine Infusion; 120 chewables per bottle
NEW! PectaSol Stick Packs, in Unflavored or Lime-Infusion; travel-friendly, single-serving packets for ultra convenience; 15 individual sleeves per package