Lecithin/Phosphatidylcholine/Choline

What is it?

When 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 “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 it 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 it 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. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient? Although choline deficiencies have been artificially induced in people, little is known about human deficiency in the real world.

Are there any side effects or interactions? 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.

References:

1. Dechent P, Pouwels PJW, Frahm J. Neither short-term nor long-term administration of oral choline alters metabolite concentrations in human brain. Biol Psychiatry 1999;46:406–11.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2003.