Pectin antidiarrheal effect

There are numerous reports on the biomedical effects of pectin. Antidiarrheic action is the most widely known property, and pectin has been used to treat diarrhea for more than half a century (Malyoth, 1934 Tompkins, 1938). This effect is often followed by an antivomitive action, which in babies improves assimilation and toleration, particularly of dairy products. This is a consequence of some protection and regulation of the gastrointestinal system (Pilnick and Zwicker, 1970). High-methoxyl pectins are often used to treat gastritis and ulcers. Because the stomach walls become covered with a gel-like film after swallowing pectin, a protective effect on the stomach from gastric and biliar hypersecretions occurs (Navarro and Navarro, 1985). 

Nonspecific antidiarrheal agents may be useful in treating self-limiting diarrhea. Kaolin and pectin or chalk may adsorb noxious compounds but evidence that such adsorbents are effective is unconvincing. Disadvantages can be prolongation of the course of infection and interference with absorption of desired drugs. 

Antidiarrheal agents—One of the long used remedies is a mixture of finely powdered clay (kaolin) and pectin, a gummy substance extracted from apple skins and the white membranes of oranges. However, its effectiveness in stopping infectious diarrhea is uncertain, unless an antibiotic is added to the mixture. 

Pectin— This material is extracted from citrus peel and apple pomace (the residue after extraction of juice). It is available in pure form, or in mixtures that contain added sugar and acid and are used to prepare jams and jellies. Although pure citrus pectin has been given orally in the powdered form (1 or 2 tsp [5 or 10 ml per day) to counteract the effects of dietary cholesterol, a more desirable use for it is in low-calorie recipes such as imitation or eggless mayonnaise, tomato aspic, fruit desserts, and pie filling. It is also used in antidiarrheal preparations. 

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