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Dietary supplement

Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Fiber And Other Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for diarrhea relief, constipation and digestive health, cholesterol support.Based on those ingredients, 23 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Grapefruit Pectin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: grapefruit pectin at 500 mg per capsule. Pectin is a soluble fiber derived from fruit that your body cannot digest; it passes through your digestive system largely intact.

The capsule also holds inactive ingredients — cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and silica — that help form and preserve the supplement.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Pectin's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Pectin for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Hypercholesterolemia — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Grapefruit Pectin is rated possibly effective for high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). For prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) and radiation exposure, the evidence is insufficient to establish whether it works — more reliable research is needed.

If you're interested in this supplement for cholesterol, talk with your doctor about how it fits into your overall plan.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Pectin

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Pectin from food sources and typical supplement doses is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are gas, diarrhea, loose stools, and mild cramping.

Allergic reactions, including the rare but serious anaphylaxis, can occur in people sensitive to pectin — one case involved a child who reacted after ingesting a pectin-containing drink. Occupational inhalation of pectin dust can trigger asthma, though this is not a concern for taking the supplement by mouth.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, the safety data is limited. Dietary amounts of pectin are likely safe, but concentrated supplements have not been well studied in these situations.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement if you are pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Pectin

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Pectin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 23 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you use digoxin (a heart medication), lovastatin (a cholesterol drug), or tetracycline antibiotics. Pectin can reduce how much of these medications your body absorbs, potentially lowering their effectiveness.

Spacing your doses apart may help, but your healthcare provider will know what's best for your situation.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Grapefruit Pectin may help lower cholesterol, but it can interfere with how your body absorbs digoxin, lovastatin, and tetracycline antibiotics — sometimes significantly. If you take any heart, cholesterol, or antibiotic medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this supplement.

For most people without these specific drugs, it's generally well tolerated, though gas and loose stools can occur.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 25, 2012.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739065155
Net contents 120 Vcap(s)(R)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 25, 2012
DSLD ID 14363
Product type Fiber And Other Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
733739065155
IngredientAmount% DV
Grapefruit Pectin1 g--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Contains no sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives.

Vegetarian/Vegan Product.

Vegetarian Formula

Formula

This product is made with 100% Pure Grapefruit Pectin.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Vcaps(R) is a registered trademark of Capsugel.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USAGE: As a dietary supplement, take 1 to 2 Vcaps(R) 2 to 3 times daily, preferably with food. Consider taking this product in combination with NOW(R) Sytrinol(R), CoQ10 and Hawthorn Extract.

General Statements

Grapefruit Pectin is a natural substance derived from the pulp and peel of the grapefruit. It is an excellent source of water-soluble fiber that has a gel-forming effect when mixed with water. Its name is derived from the Greek word “pectos”, which means solidified or gelatinated. As a dietary fiber, Grapefruit Pectin supports good intestinal health.*

Please Recycle.

SUPPORTS INTESTINAL HEALTH* 100% Pure - Dietary Fiber

Made in the U.S.A.

ACTUAL SIZE

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Do Not Eat Freshness Packet. Keep in Bottle.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

GMP QUALITY ASSURED

General

CODE 6515 V3

See for yourself

Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg by NOW

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Grapefruit Pectin

Interacts with
23 drugs
1 g per serving

Pectin is a natural soluble fiber found in fruits like apples and citrus, and it is widely used in foods and as a fiber supplement. It may modestly he...

Grapefruit Pectin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

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23Drugs
23 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Grapefruit Pectin3 drug types · 23 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of digoxin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking digoxin with a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of digoxin by about 62%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Lovastatin (Mevacor)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of lovastatin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of pectin and lovastatin might reduce the cholesterol-lowering effect of lovastatin, possibly due to reduced intestinal absorption of lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking tetracycline with bismuth subsalicylate in a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of tetracycline by about 34%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, bismuth subsalicylate, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
www.nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg has a known interaction with 23 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pectin from food is likely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but concentrated supplements like this one haven't been studied enough to know for sure. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — they can weigh the potential benefit against the unknowns for your situation.
What side effects might I have?
Most people experience mild digestive effects: gas, diarrhea, loose stools, or gentle cramping. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially if you have a history of oral allergy syndrome or other food sensitivities. Stop taking it and seek help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction.
Does this really lower cholesterol?
Pectin is rated possibly effective for high cholesterol based on available research, which means there's some evidence it may help, but more study is needed to be certain. It's not a replacement for other cholesterol treatments — use it as part of a plan you've discussed with your doctor.
How long before I notice a difference?
The product facts don't specify a timeline for how quickly pectin may work. Ask your doctor what to expect and how long to take it before reassessing whether it's helping.
Is there anything else in this besides pectin?
The capsule contains cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and silica as inactive ingredients — these help form and stabilize the supplement but are not the active part.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Grapefruit Pectin 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Pectin 11 references
  1. Jaakkola MS, et al. Asthma caused by occupational exposure to pectin. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;100:575-6. PubMed
  2. Westphal W, et al. [Exogenous allergic asthma following pectin exposure-a new occupational allergen]. Pneumologie 1990;44(Suppl 1):337-8.
  3. Baldwin JL, et al. Pectin-induced occupational asthma. Chest 1993;104:1936-7. PubMed
  4. Cohen AJ, Forse MS, Tarlo SM. Occupational asthma caused by pectin inhalation during the manufacture of jam. Chest 1993;103:309-11.
  5. Kraut A, et al. Christmas candy maker's asthma. IgG4-mediated pectin allergy. Chest 1992;102:1605-7. PubMed
  6. Richter WO, Jacob BG, Schwandt P. Interaction between fibre and lovastatin. Lancet 1991;338:706.
  7. Albert KS, Ayres JW, DiSanto AR, et al. Influence of kaolin-pectin suspension on digoxin bioavailability. J Pharm Sci 1978;67:1582-6. PubMed
  8. Albert KS, Welch RD, DeSante KA, et al. Decreased tetracycline bioavailability caused by a bismuth subsalicylate antidiarrheal mixture. J Pharm Sci 1979;68:586-8. PubMed
  9. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  10. Federal Register April 17,2003. Anti-Diarrheal Products for over-the-counter human use; final monograph. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/03-9380.pdf (Accessed 27 December 2004).
  11. Washio K, Nakamura M, Sato N, et al. Anaphylaxis in a pectin- and cashew nut-allergic child caused by a citrus bath. Allergol Int 2022;71(1):155-157. PubMed

See these in context on the Pectin monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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