Overview

Lecithin is a fat that is essential in the cells of the body. It can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks. Lecithin is taken as a medicine and is also used in the manufacturing of medicines.

Lecithin is used for treating memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also used for treating gallbladder disease, liver disease, certain types of depression, high cholesterol, anxiety, and a skin disease called eczema.

Some people apply lecithin to the skin as a moisturizer.

You will often see lecithin as a food additive. It is used to keep certain ingredients from separating out.

You may also see lecithin as an ingredient in some eye medicines. It is used to help keep the medicine in contact with the eye’s cornea.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Fat

Primary Functions:

Memory disorders

Also Known As:

Egg Lecithin, Lécithine, Lécithine d’œuf

How Does It Work?

Lecithin is converted into acetylcholine, a substance that transmits nerve impulses.

Uses

• Gallbladder disease.
• Dementia related to Alzheimer's disease or other causes.Taking lecithin alone or with tacrine or ergoloids does not seem to improve mental abilities in people with dementia. It also doesn't seem to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of lecithin depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for lecithin. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Lecithin Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is lecithin used for?

Lecithin is used for treating memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is also used for treating gallbladder disease, liver disease, certain types of depression, high cholesterol, anxiety, and a skin disease called eczema. Some people apply lecithin to the skin as a moisturizer.

What are the benefits of lecithin supplements?

Lecithin Benefits

• Lowers cholesterol.
• Improves heart health.
• Aids breastfeeding mothers.
• Helps improve digestion.
• May fight dementia symptoms.
• Soothes and moisturizes skin.
• Risks and complications.

Why is lecithin bad for you?

Soy lecithin is a generally safe food additive. Because it's present in such small amounts in food, it's unlikely to be harmful. Though evidence supporting soy lecithin as a supplement is somewhat limited, the evidence backing choline could steer people toward this food additive in supplement form.

What are the side effects of taking lecithin?

Mild side effects of lecithin could include:

• Increased salivation.
• Decreased appetite.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Abdominal Bloating.
• Other symptoms.

Is lecithin bad for kidneys?

A lack of sufficient dietary choline can cause signs of subclinical organ dysfunction (fatty liver or muscle damage). People who have a kidney disease or are highly susceptible to cardiovascular disease may want to restrict their consumption of red meat and egg yolks, as well as avoid lecithin dietary supplements.

Can lecithin cause heart attack?

Answer: Although a direct link to heart attack has not been made, researchers recently showed that intake of phosphatidylcholine, a major component of lecithin, temporarily raises blood levels of the compound TMAO.

Can lecithin cause weight gain?

As an emulsifier, lecithin can also keep fats dissolved as a liquid, which helps the body's processing and movement of fats. If you find that your diet is quite low in lecithin-rich foods, then adding lecithin supplements may be an excellent way to help you to lose weight and gain all of its health benefits.

What foods are high in lecithin?

Lecithin is found in many whole foods, including:

• organ meats.
• red meat.
• cooked green vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
• legumes, such as soybeans, kidney beans, and black beans.

How long does lecithin take to work?

It's best to try one product at a time for at least 7-10 days to help determine what may work best for you.

Does lecithin clean arteries?

Even more impressive, lecithin will cause fats to emulsify to water! This is very important because it helps arterial cholesterol fats dissolve in our blood (made of water) so they can be removed from the body. ... Lecithin can help cholesterol and plaque fat particles to loosen up and be dispersed into the blood.

How much lecithin should I take daily?

There is no recommended dosage for lecithin. As a general rule, dosage should not exceed 5,000 mg daily.

Is Lecithin good for anxiety?

Lecithin is a fat that is essential in the cells of the body. Lecithin is used for treating memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is also used for treating gallbladder disease, liver disease, certain types of depression, high cholesterol, anxiety, and a skin disease called eczema.

Should I take lecithin supplements?

Lecithin is considered a low-risk addition to the supplements you may already use to maintain your health. But all nutrients are best taken in their whole form in food. With some benefits and very few risks, lecithin may be an option for people who are looking to improve their cholesterol and organ functions.

Can I take lecithin and fish oil together?

No interactions were found between Fish Oil and lecithin. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Can you overdose on lecithin?

In normal doses, lecithin may cause side effects. These can include stomach aches, diarrhea, or loose stools. It isn't known what symptoms would occur if you take too much lecithin. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their healthcare providers before taking any supplements.

Is Lecithin good for brain?

Studies of lecithin in humans have found no impact on LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels, and that it can lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Claims have been made since the 1920s that lecithin is a good “brain food” and will prevent deterioration of mental capacity.

Does lecithin interact with any medications?

Lecithin Interactions

Other drugs may interact with lecithin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Do not take lecithin without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: topical diclofenac (Voltaren Gel).

Is lecithin a fat burner?

Lecithin was first isolated from egg yolks in 1850 by Maurice Bobley, who named it after the Greek word lekithos, meaning egg yolk. The weight-loss claims that have been made for lecithin rest on the fact that lecithin is a major source of choline, a substance which helps the body metabolise (burn up) fats effectively.

Does soy lecithin increase estrogen?

Soy lecithin does not contain phytoestrogens and has no documented association with cancer risk. For those who do include soy in their diet, additional questions about genetic modification (GMO) and conventional versus organic options sometimes arise.

Does lecithin give you energy?

A small study out of Tokyo recently found that high-dose (1200 mg/day) soy lecithin increased “vigor” in middle-aged women who presented with fatigue compared to a placebo.

What is the best source of lecithin?

Lecithin is found in many whole foods, including:

• organ meats.
• red meat.
• eggs.
• cooked green vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
• legumes, such as soybeans, kidney beans, and black beans.

Clinical Studies