Can pectin help to fight the spread of cancer?

Modified citrus pectin (MCP), also known as fractionated citrus pectin, is a complex sugar (polysaccharide) obtained from the peel and pulp of citrus fruits. Modified citrus pectin is rich in short, non-branched, galactose-rich carbohydrate chains. These shorter chains dissolve more readily in water and are better absorbed and utilized by the body than ordinary long-chain pectin. MCP appears to reduce the risk of metastasis, the spread of cancerous cells from one tumor to other sites in the body. For metastasis to occur, cancer cells must first clump together. Protein molecules called galectins appear on the surface of cancer cells and bind the cells to the molecules of a sugar called glucose. The more the galectins present, the easier it is for the cancer cells to clump together and metastasize. According to preliminary research, MCP binds to the galectins. By doing so, it blocks the cancer cells' ability to clump and spread. Laboratory studies suggest that MCP is best used in preventing the metastasis of breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Not much human data is available yet, but the initial results appear promising. In one of the few human studies, MCP was shown to decrease the growth rate of cancer in four of seven men with prostate cancer as measured by a reduced rate of increase in the PSA level (a sign of the severity of prostate cancer).

The typical dosage recommendation for adults is 6 to 30 grams daily in divided doses. MCP powder is usually dissolved by blending in water or juice.

Find out more about this book: Encyclopedia of Healing Foods

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