Pectin is a soluble fiber (polysaccharide) found in fruits. It is used as a thickener in cooking and baking. It is also sometimes used to make medicine.
Pectin binds substances in the intestines and adds bulk to the stools. It might also reduce how much cholesterol the body absorbs from foods.
People use pectin for high cholesterol, prediabetes, heartburn, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Pectin was used for years together with kaolin (Kaopectate) to control diarrhea. But in 2003, the FDA found that evidence doesn't support the use of pectin for diarrhea. Since April 2004, pectin has not been permitted as an anti-diarrhea agent in over-the-counter (OTC) products. Kaopectate no longer contains pectin and kaolin.
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