Lecithin/Phosphatidyl Choline

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Well this makes some sense as to labeling and cost difference- maybe even performance difference.I know it's on the CM site, but you know, always like to double to check things. :-) Lecithin/Phosphatidyl Choline

Also Known As: Choline

IntroductionWhat it doesWhere foundHelpful forAre you

deficient?

Amount to takeSide Effects & Interactions

References

What is it?

When medical researchers use the term “lecithin,” they are referring to a

purified substance called phosphatidyl choline (PC) that belongs to a special category of

fat-soluble substances called phospholipids.

Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes. Supplements labeled as

“lecithin” usually contain 10–20% PC. Relatively pure PC supplements are

generally labeled as “phosphatidylcholine.” PC best duplicates supplements used in

medical research.

Choline by itself (without the “phosphatidyl” group) is also available in foods

and supplements. In high amounts, however, pure choline can make people smell like fish, so

it’s rarely used, except in the small amounts found in multivitamin supplements.

What does lecithin/phosphatidyl choline do?

PC acts as a supplier of choline, which 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 and is needed for normal brain functioning, particularly in

infants. Although the human body can synthesize choline, additional amounts from the diet are

considered essential under certain circumstances. For this reason, PC has been used in a

number of preliminary studies for a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders,

though not every study suggests that supplemental choline is capable of reaching the

brain.1 Choline participates in many functions involving cellular components called

phospholipids.

Where is lecithin/phosphatidyl choline found?

Choline, the major constituent of PC, is found in soybeans,

liver, oatmeal, cabbage, and cauliflower. Soybeans, 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.

Phosphatidyl choline has

been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the

individual health concern for complete information):

Rating

Health Concerns

High homocysteine

Liver cirrhosis

Tardive

dyskinesia

Alzheimer’s

disease

Bipolar disorder

Gallbladder

attacks

Hepatitis

High cholesterol

Reliable

and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies

suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal

or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health

benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient of lecithin/phosphatidyl choline?

Although choline deficiencies have been artificially induced in people, little is known

about human deficiency in the real world.

How much lecithin/phosphatidyl choline is usually taken?

Small amounts of choline are present in many

B-complex and multivitamin

supplements.

Are there any side effects or interactions with lecithin/phosphatidyl choline?

With several grams of choline per day, some people will experience abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or nausea. Supplementing choline in

large amounts (over 1,000 mg per day) can lead to a fishy body odor. PC does not have this

effect. Depression has been reported as a side

effect in people taking large amounts of choline, such as 9 grams per day.

The body uses both PC and pantothenic acid

to form acetylcholine.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions

with Lecithin/Phosphatidylcholine/Choline.

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