Study finds that citrus pectin could potentially lower anxiety and inflammation

A recent study published in Nutrients revealed that a four-week supplementation with a low-methoxy (LM) pectin by CP Kelco at a dose of 20 g per day had significant effects on a wide variety of cytokines.

This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate the potential anxiety-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects of LM pectin supplementation in humans.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and University College Dublin highlighted the potential clinical applications of pectin on anxiety scores in humans. They suggested that nutritional supplementation of this natural polysaccharide could be a safe and cost-effective non-pharmacological approach to improve the mental well-being of individuals struggling with anxiety.

However, the study’s findings are limited to healthy volunteers, and further research is needed to determine the effects of pectin supplementation on patient populations.

Pectin

Pectin’s chemical structure consists of a chain of repeating galacturonic acid units. The esterification of these units determines whether pectin is high methoxyl (HM) or low methoxyl (LM).

The ratio of esterified to non-esterified galacturonic acid units plays a crucial role in determining the properties and applications of pectin in food.

The study, co-funded by CP Kelco, used LM pectin with a degree of methyl-esterification below 10%.

Study details

The study involved 29 healthy participants who consumed 20 g/day of LM citrus pectin or a maltodextrin control for four weeks. Another group of 15 participants received increasing doses of pectin over a six-week period.

Results showed that 20 g/day of LM pectin led to decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory markers compared to the control group. Anxiety scores also significantly decreased in the high-dose pectin group.

The study suggested that LM pectin supplementation could have promising potential for mood modulation and anti-inflammatory activity but further research is necessary to determine the optimal dose and duration for potential benefits.

Source: Nutrients 2024, 16 (19), 3326; doi: 10.3390/nu16193326 “Supplementation with Citrus Low-Methoxy Pectin Reduces Levels of Inflammation and Anxiety in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Controlled Dietary Intervention Study” Authors: A. Vijay et al.