RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Impact of Pectin Supplementation on Systematic Inflammation Pathway, Gut Microbiome, and Metabolic Health in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

This UK-based study is exploring if taking a daily pectin supplement, derived from citrus peels, can help adults with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). MASLD is a common liver condition, previously known as NAFLD. The main aim is to understand if pectin can reduce inflammation in the body and improve the mix of bacteria in the gut, which are both important for health. Participants will take either pectin with cocoa powder or a placebo with cocoa powder for six weeks. Researchers will measure changes in blood, stool samples, and overall health indicators to see if pectin has a beneficial effect on inflammation, gut health, and other body functions related to MASLD.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

10 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)MASLD - Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease MASLD NAFLD Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease NAFLD (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)NAFLD (Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)NAFLD - Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease NAFLD - Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a common liver condition called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which used to be known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In MASLD, too much fat builds up in the liver, which can sometimes lead to inflammation and other health problems. The good news is that lifestyle changes can often help manage this condition.

Researchers want to see if a natural substance called pectin, commonly found in our diet, especially in fruits like citrus peels, can make a difference. They believe that pectin might help reduce inflammation throughout the body and improve the balance of 'good' bacteria in our gut. Both inflammation and gut health are thought to play a role in MASLD.

The study aims to discover how daily pectin supplementation affects these areas and whether it leads to improvements in other health measures related to MASLD, like blood sugar levels or liver health indicators. It’s important to note that pectin is a dietary component, not a medicine, and this study is investigating its potential effects as a supplement.

Key takeaways

Investigating pectin's effect on MASLD, an everyday liver condition.
Pectin, a natural fibre, may reduce body inflammation and improve gut health.
Study involves a 6-week daily supplement (pectin or placebo).
Assessments include blood tests, stool samples, and physical measurements.
Optional MRI scans for a deeper look at gut and liver health.
Your participation could help improve future MASLD understanding and care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be an adult (18 years or older) with a recent diagnosis of MASLD, confirmed by tests showing more than 5% fat in your liver. Your body weight should have been stable for the past three months, and your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 39.9. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels would need to be well-controlled.

There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have allergies to soya, milk, chocolate, or pectin itself, or if you follow a vegan diet. People with certain bowel conditions like coeliac disease, IBS, or IBD, or those who have had major stomach or bowel surgery, unfortunately cannot participate. You also won't be eligible if you've recently taken antibiotics, antifungals, probiotics, or prebiotics in the last 90 days, or if you are on certain specific medications like immunosuppressants.

Additionally, a smaller part of the study is looking for healthy volunteers who are 18 years or older and have a specific normal liver health reading (CAP score) from a FibroScan test done within the last six months. These healthy volunteers would only be involved in the optional MRI scans.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Do you have a recent diagnosis of MASLD (fatty liver)?
Has your weight been stable for the last 3 months?
Do you have any allergies to soya, milk, chocolate, or pectin?
Have you used antibiotics, antifungals, prebiotics, or probiotics in the last 3 months?
Do you have any significant bowel conditions like IBS or coeliac disease?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to take a daily supplement for six weeks. This will either be 15 grams of low-methoxy pectin mixed with 10 grams of cocoa powder, or a placebo (an inactive substance) also mixed with 10 grams of cocoa powder. You won't know which one you are receiving.

Throughout the study, you will need to provide samples of your stool and blood after fasting (meaning you haven't eaten for a certain number of hours) both at the beginning and at the end of the six-week period. Researchers will also measure your weight, height, waist and hip size, and blood pressure. You'll complete a questionnaire asking about your health and medical history. Your liver health will be checked using a special scan called a FibroScan™.

There's an optional part of the study where you might be asked to have two MRI scans. These scans would help researchers look more closely at your gut and liver. The total duration of your active participation, including taking the supplement, will be six weeks, with initial and final assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may or may not provide a direct benefit to your health, but the information gathered could help improve our understanding of MASLD and how dietary changes might help in its management. Pectin is generally considered safe and is a common dietary fibre, but like any supplement, it could potentially cause mild digestive side effects in some individuals. Cocoa powder is also generally well-tolerated. All participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care. The researchers will explain all potential risks and benefits in detail before you decide to participate.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Nottingham Clinical Research Facility at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is MASLD?

MASLD stands for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. It's a common condition where too much fat builds up in the liver, formerly known as NAFLD.

What is pectin?

Pectin is a type of natural fibre found in many fruits, especially citrus peels. It's not a medicine but a dietary component.

Will I know if I'm taking pectin or the placebo?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know who is receiving the pectin and who is receiving the placebo until the study is over.

What are the main tests involved?

You'll provide blood and stool samples, have body measurements taken, and receive a FibroScan™ to check your liver. There are also optional MRI scans.

How long will I be in the study?

Your active participation, including taking the supplement and attending appointments, will last for six weeks.

How to find out more

Noor K Al-Tameemi, PhD student candidate

noorkifahabdulhussein.al-tameemi@nottingham.ac.uk 0044 01158231149 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.