Pectin, a natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of most higher plants such as citrus fruits, has gained increasing attention over the past decade due to its relation to Galectin-3, a type of protein involved in many cellular functions.

Galectin-3 contains a carbohydrate recognition domain that allows it to bind to sugars found on the surface of cells and extracellular matrix components. Galectin-3 is involved in several cellular activities, including the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT).

As a soluble fiber, pectin can absorb water and form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. Thus, incorporating pectin-rich foods such as apples, citrus fruits, and berries into the diet can be beneficial.

The Bioavailability Challenge of Pectin and the Emergence of Modified Citrus Pectin

Due to its large molecular size, pectin is poorly absorbed in the small intestine and passes largely intact into the colon. Therefore, in this case, its benefits will be limited mainly to digestive health.

To enable pectin to be absorbed into the bloodstream, to increase the chance it can interact with the desired targets, the large pectin molecule has to be broken down into smaller pieces through enzymatic alterations. These smaller pieces of pectin are known as Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP).

Therefore, Modified Citrus Pectin is a form of pectin but with a lower molecular weight. MCP has a lower molecular weight than regular pectin, typically less than 20,000 Daltons, compared to pectin’s range of 60,000 to 130,000 Daltons.

Modified Citrus Pectin at MCS Formulas: Introducing a New Standard

Not all MCP powders are created equal, and most MCP powders available as food supplements are not fully water-soluble.

Our new MCS Modified Citrus Pectin formulation stands out for its purity, solubility, and bioavailability. Unlike established MCP powders, ours is highly soluble in water, at room temperature, leading to better bioavailability. This enhanced dissolution increases the potential for effectiveness.

*The statements in this section have not been evaluated by the FDA or EFSA.