LecithinWhen medical researchers use the term “lecithin,”
they are referring to a purified substance called
phosphatidyl choline (PC). Supplements labeled as
“lecithin” usually contain 10-20% PC. Relatively
pure PC supplements are generally labeled as
“phosphatidyl choline.” PC best duplicates
supplements used in medical research. Choline by
itself (without the “phosphatidyl” group) is also
available in food and supplements. In high doses,
however, pure choline can make people smell like
fish, so it’s rarely used, except in the small
doses found in multi-vitamin supplements. What do
they do? PC acts as a supplier of choline. Choline
is needed for cell membrane integrity and to
facilitate the movement of fats in and out of
cells. It is also a component of the
neurotransmitter acetylcholine. For this reason,
PC has been used in a number of preliminary
studies for a wide variety of neurological and
psychiatric disorders. Where are they found?
Choline, the major constituent of PC, is found in
soy beans, liver, oatmeal, cabbage, and
cauliflower. Egg yolks, meat, and some vegetables
contain PC. Lecithin (containing 10-20% PC) is
added to many processed foods in small amounts,
for the purpose of maintaining texture
consistency. In what conditions might
phosphatidyl choline be supportive?
- anxiety
- eczema
- gallbladder attacks
- hepatitis
- manic depression
- liver support
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