Lecithin/Phosphatidyl Choline : University of Michigan Health System

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Lecithin/Phosphatidyl Choline

Alternative Medicine
The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.

Also indexed as:

Choline

When medical researchers use the term "lecithin," they arereferring to a purified substance called phosphatidyl choline (PC) that belongsto a special category of fat-soluble substances 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.

Health Concerns

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 Neural tube defects (prevention) 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.

Deficiency Symptoms

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.

Dosage

How much is usually taken?

Small amounts of choline are present in many B-complex and multivitamin supplements.

Side Effects

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.

Last Review: 09-01-2007

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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 June 2009.