Pectin: structural characteristics, ADME profiles, and their interrelationship

Pectin, a plant-derived polysaccharide, is highly valued for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, with extensive applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of pectin's structure, categorized by its degree of methyl esterification (DM) and key components, including homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonans (RG-I and RG-II). The influence of diverse extraction methods, such as subcritical water and microwave-assisted techniques, on its structure and functionality is critically examined. Furthermore, the review investigates the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiles of pectin, emphasizing how structural factors like molecular weight, DM, and neutral sugars impact bioavailability and interactions with gut microbiota. Notably, this review highlights emerging research methodologies, offering novel insights into pectin's pharmacokinetics. By addressing these interrelationships, the review underscores pectin's potential applications in functional foods, personalized nutrition, and targeted therapeutics, and identifies key knowledge gaps for future research.