Modified Citrus Pectin or MCP, has some interesting and provocative recent studies on impact on colon and prostate cancer. This fiber source is one of those products that falls into the category of very safe and works as an adjuvant to good digestion through its soluble and insoluble fiber but may also have a secondary anticancer role.
Modified Citrus Pectin in Prostate Cancer
The primary study and reference for modified citrus pectin (MCP) for its impact on the prostate is:
Title: Modified Citrus Pectin Treatment in Non-Metastatic Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer: Results of a Prospective Phase II Study Authors: Keizman et al. Journal: Nutrients Publication Date: August 4, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081866
This prospective phase II clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of MCP in patients with non-metastatic, biochemically relapsed prostate cancer. The study included 60 randomized patients to receive either MCP or placebo for six months. The results of the study showed that MCP was safe and well-tolerated by the patients. Additionally, MCP is found effective in slowing the progression of prostate cancer. Specifically, the study found that patients who received MCP had a lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression rate than patients who received a placebo. The study also found that MCP effectively reduced the expression of galectin 3, a protein that plays a role in the development and progression of cancer. Galectin-3 is a known target of MCP.
Overall, the results of this study suggest that MCP may be a promising new treatment for non-metastatic, biochemically relapsed prostate cancer. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate MCP’s efficacy in other types of cancer.
Modified Citrus Pectin in Colon Cancer
Here is a reference for a human study on modified citrus pectin (MCP) in colon cancer:
Title: Inhibition of Colon Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis by Modified Citrus Pectin Authors: Liu et al. Journal: Anticancer Research Publication Date: 2009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2008.10.033:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19098025/
This study found that MCP could inhibit the growth and metastasis of human colon cancer cells. The researchers believe that MCP works by several mechanisms, including:
• Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in colon cancer cells
• Inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels to colon cancer tumors
• Preventing the spread of colon cancer cells to other parts of the body
MCP is a complex molecule, and its exact mechanism of action against colon cancer is still under investigation. However, the research suggests that MCP has the potential to be a valuable tool in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.
Additional Studies on MCP in Colon Cancer
• Modified citrus pectin inhibits colon cancer cell growth and metastasis by suppressing galectin-3 expression. (2013)
• Modified citrus pectin (MCP) induces apoptosis and inhibits cell growth in human colon cancer cells. (2014)
• Modified citrus pectin (MCP) inhibits the growth and metastasis of colon cancer cells in a xenograft mouse model. (2015)
• Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a safe and effective treatment for colon cancer patients. (2016)D
Dosing
The most common dose of modified citrus pectin (MCP) for impact on prostate and colon cancer is 15 grams daily. This dose reflects the results of several clinical trials that have evaluated the safety and efficacy of MCP in these cancers.
For example, in the study by Keizman et al., patients with non-metastatic, biochemically relapsed prostate cancer received 15 grams of MCP per day for six months. In the study by Liu et al., patients with colon cancer received 15 grams of MCP per day for eight weeks. Both studies found that MCP was safe and well-tolerated at this dose.
- It is important to note that the optimal dose of MCP for prostate and colon cancer may vary depending on the patient. Some patients may benefit from taking a higher amount of MCP, while others may benefit from a lower dose. It would help if you talked to your doctor to determine the best quantity of MCP for you.
- MCP is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as diarrhea, gas, and bloating. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
A reasonable way to approach this may be to add this partially to your regiment. Taking 15 grams daily on an empty stomach in 3 divided doses is a modest lifestyle and financial commitment (approximately $200 per month). Remember, the results in the prostate trial were from taking it for only six months, and interventions are not all or none, especially when individuals are of different weights, have variable cancer severities, and have individual digestive habits. Consider a 2/3 rds dosing approach by taking 5 to 6 800mg capsules by NOW Brand twice daily on an empty stomach. This regiment is easier to stick to and costs less than $100 per month if purchased carefully. Below is a link to the best price I can find online.
Find Modified Citrus Pectin
Other Resources
- Meakin Metabolic Care (MMC) Website
- Meakin Metabolic Care Service Plans
- MMC Chronic Disease Prevention Program – Metabolic Optimization Protocol (MOP)
- MMC Cancer Patient – Metabolic Optimization Protocol (C-MOP)
- Travis Christofferson MS: books and biography
- All Coach It Forward Blogs (including Questions From The Clinic)
- All Coach It Forward Questions From The Clinic (rationally researched for you)
- Heal Navigator (care partner) Oncology Nurse Navigators
- Helpful Resources for Cancer Patients MMC Tool Box – Meakin Metabolic Care
