Pectin Supplementation and MASLD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Impact of Pectin Supplementation on Systematic Inflammation Pathway, Gut Microbiome, and Metabolic Health in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) : A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Dietary Intervention Study
IRAS ID
351797
Contact name
Guru Aithal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the main cause of chronic liver disease and affects more than 32% adults globally. Meta-analysis studies across the world showed that the predicted incidence of MASLD is 47 cases per 1000 people with higher incidence in obese and overweight males. Moreover, in the UK, this disease is affecting 1 in 5 people and is the most common liver disorder. The number of new cases is increasing, and it is estimated that MASLD will become the main reason for liver transplantation within the coming years.
Pectin is a complex soluble heteropolysaccharides that is found in the primary cell walls of higher plants and commonly used as a food additive. Animal studies have shown that pectin supplementation have positive impacts on gut health, potentially by modification of the gut microbiome and its metabolites, and on systematic inflammation pathway by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, a recent pilot study that was conducted at the University of Nottingham showed that in healthy adult volunteers, daily Low-methoxy (LM) pectin ingestion significantly reduced TNFα and increased IL-10.
More studies are required to better understand the mechanism of action of pectin on the gut microbiome and systematic inflammation pathway.
The purpose of this research is to study the effects of Low-methoxy (LM) pectin, the dietary supplementation intervention, on systemic inflammation and gut microbiome composition and the consequences of these effects on general metabolic indicators, in individuals diagnosed with MASLD
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0062
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion