Pectic acid

Pectic acid is a complex polysaccharide contained in the primary cell walls of terrestrial plants. It is produced commercially as a white to light brown powder, mainly extracted from citrus fruits, and is used in food as a gelling agent, particularly in jams and jellies. It is also used in fillings, medicines, sweets, as a stabilizer in fruit juices and milk drinks, and as a source of dietary fiber.

Chemical Structure

Pectic acid is a large molecule made up of hundreds of monosaccharide units, primarily galacturonic acid, linked together in chains. The chains are linked together by calcium ions to form a three-dimensional network, which gives pectic acid its gelling properties.

Properties

Pectic acid has the ability to form a gel when it is combined with sugar and acid. This property is the basis for its use in making jams and jellies. The gelling process occurs when the pectic acid chains come together and form a network that traps the sugar and acid, creating a gel.

Uses

Pectic acid is used in a variety of applications in the food industry. It is used as a gelling agent in jams and jellies, as a stabilizer in fruit juices and milk drinks, and as a source of dietary fiber. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations.

Health Benefits

Pectic acid is a source of dietary fiber and has been shown to have a number of health benefits. It can help to lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote a healthy digestive system.

See Also

• Pectin
• Polysaccharide
• Galacturonic acid
• Cell wall