Lecithin/Phosphatidyl Choline

Also indexed as: Choline

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.

Where is it found?

Choline, the major constituent of PC, is found in soybeans, liver, porridge, 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):

Science Ratings	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. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

High homocysteine

Liver cirrhosis

Neural tube defects (prevention)

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a 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?

Although choline deficiencies have been artificially induced in people, little is known about human deficiency in the real world.

How much is usually taken?

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

Are there any side effects or interactions?

With a few grams of choline per day, some people will experience abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, or nausea. Supplementing choline in large amounts (over 1,000 mg per day) can lead to a fishy body odour. 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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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 chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.