Research Library
The effect of modified citrus pectin on the urinary excretion of toxic elements.
Authors: Isaac Eliaz, Dorena Rode
Source: Fifth Annual Conference of Environmental Health Scientists: Nutritional Toxicology and Metabolomics, August 2003, University of California, Davis
Background and Objective
Pectin is a soluble fiber effective at binding toxic and radioactive metals and has been applied to environmental clean-up and detoxification in humans. Due to its large molecular size, it is not readily absorbed and its actions are limited to the gut. Modified citrus pectin is a smaller molecular weight compound that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of modified citrus pectin on the urinary excretion of toxic elements in healthy individuals.
Methods
Seven subjects were recruited from a convenience sample. The subjects ingested 15 grams of PectaSol® Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) each day for five days and 20 grams on day six. Prior to commencing with the MCP the subjects collected a 24 hour urine sample as baseline. 24 hour urine samples were collected on day one and day six for comparison. The samples were analyzed by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma -mass spectrophotometer) for arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminum, antimony, beryllium, bismuth, nickle, platinum, thallium, thorium, tin, and uranium.
Results
In the first 24 hours of MCP administration the urinary excretion of arsenic increased significantly (130% of baseline levels, p<0.05). In this same period, the excretion of mercury and cadmium approached significance (150% and 230% of baseline respectively; p<0.1). On day six, urinary excretion was significantly increased for cadmium (150% of baseline, p<0.05). In addition, lead showed a dramatic increase in excretion (560% over baseline) with p<0.08.
Conclusions
Oral administration of modified citrus pectin (molecular weight < 20 kDaltons, degree of esterification <10%) resulted in significant increases in the urinary excretion of arsenic and cadmium. Mercury and lead also demonstrated increased excretion approaching significance. Further investigations into the mechanism by which the urinary excretion of toxic elements was increased is justified; although it is likely the effect is due to the known chelation properties of pectin. This preliminary work suggests that the nutritional supplement, MCP, may assist in the elimination of toxic elements from the body. These results should be verified with a larger scale trial and additional studies involving individuals with toxic element burden is also warranted.