Pectin: An examination in normal subjects

• Published in: Diabetes care Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 50 - 52
• Main Authors: Gold, Larry A, McCourt, Jerome P, Merimee, Thomas J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Diabetes Association 01.01.1980
• Subjects: Blood Glucose - metabolism; Eating; Glucose - administration & dosage; Humans; Insulin - blood; Pectins - administration & dosage
• ISSN: 0149-5992; 1935-5548
• DOI: 10.2337/diacare.3.1.50

Pectin which was administered with 100 g of glucose to normal subjects did not significantly affect the serum concentrations of either glucose or insulin compared with glucose given in isolation. However, when pectin was ingested with a mixed meal, it reduced the degree of glycemia without significantly changing insulin secretion. Indeed, pectin consumed with meals for 18 days did not affect serum glucose or insulin concentrations. Pectin was poorly tolerated by the patients over a 1 month period, and daily doses produced complaints of abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The elevated carbohydrate content of high fiber diets may alter insulin secretion and tissue sensitivity to insulin. Fiber products may also differ in their mode of action and potency