Pectin from citrus rinds is depolymerized through a treatment with sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. The resultant smaller molecule is comprised predominantly of D-polygalacturonates and may be more easily absorbed by the human digestive system. It is conjectured that it may affect free cancer cells with galectin-3, but not tumors.
Warnings
1. Watch out for the high sodium content.
2. Be aware it may increase the urinary excretion of metals, such as, arsenic, cadmium, tungsten, and eventually lead and mercury, possibly because of the presence of the known chelating agent, rhamnogalacturonan II. Excretion of calcium, zinc, and magnesium is said not to increase. Heavy metals, such as mercury can possibly be methylated by abnormal bacteria in the gut and reabsorbed. To avoid this,using low molecular weight alginates has been proposed and studied. Modified citrus pectin is combined with modified alginates to form stacked chains which bind up the cations of lead, mercury and cadmium so that urinary excretion can take place.
3. It may reduce the absorption of oral agents.
4. No definitive studies have been done, and in particular, it has not been studied at all in children, pregnant women, etc.
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