Pectin is a type of fiber found in most plants. Apples, plums, and peel and pulp of oranges and other citrus fruits are loaded with it. Your body can’t digest natural pectin. But you can take it in an altered form called modified citrus pectin (MCP). It can sometimes give you cramps or diarrhea. MCP also may interfere with certain cancer treatments or such drugs as:
The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements such as pectin. Talk to your doctor about potential risks before you take pectin or any other dietary supplement.
- Digoxin (a heart medicine)
- Lovastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug)
- Tetracycline antibiotics