Lecithin's therapeutic uses
Lecithin is a natural substance derived from both animal and plant sources that has been explored for various therapeutic uses. Traditionally, it has been recommended for managing high cholesterol, although recent studies suggest that its effectiveness may be modest and require further validation. Lecithin contains phosphatidylcholine, which plays a role in cell membrane structure and is converted into choline, an essential nutrient known to support brain function and nerve health. Research has also proposed its potential benefits in treating psychological and neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson's disease, though evidence remains limited and often stems from small studies.
Additionally, lecithin is being investigated for its role in addressing liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as for alleviating symptoms of ulcerative colitis. In breastfeeding, lecithin may help with clogged milk ducts and provide nutritional support to infants. Some suggest it may improve skin health and assist with mood and anxiety disorders, but more comprehensive studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions. While lecithin is generally considered safe, high doses can lead to minor side effects like abdominal discomfort. Overall, those interested in lecithin for therapeutic purposes should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and information.
Lecithin's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural animal and plant substance used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, high cholesterol, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, tardive dyskinesia, Tourette’s syndrome, ulcerative colitis, memory and brain function, high blood pressure, digestive health, breastfeeding support, skin health, anxiety
Overview
For decades, lecithin has been a popular treatment for high cholesterol, although there is little evidence that it works. Lecithin has been proposed as a remedy for various psychological and neurological diseases, such as Tourette’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and bipolar disorder.
Lecithin contains a substance called phosphatidylcholine that is presumed to be responsible for its medicinal effects. Phosphatidylcholine is a major part of the membranes surrounding human cells. However, when consumed, this substance is broken down into the nutrient choline rather than being carried directly to cell membranes. Choline promotes methylation and acts like folate, trimethylglycine, and SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). It also makes acetylcholine, a nerve chemical essential for proper brain function.
Requirements and Sources
Neither lecithin nor its ingredient phosphatidylcholine is an essential nutrient; however, choline has been recognized as essential. Lecithin is often manufactured from soy for use as a supplement or a food additive.
Therapeutic Dosages
Ordinary lecithin contains about 10 to 20 percent phosphatidylcholine. However, European research has tended to use products concentrated to contain 90 percent phosphatidylcholine in lecithin, and the following dosages are based on that type of product. For psychological and neurological conditions, doses as high as 5 to 10 grams (g) taken three times daily have been used in studies. For liver disease, a typical dose is 350 to 500 milligrams (mg) taken three times daily; for high cholesterol, 500 to 900 mg taken three times daily has been tried.
Therapeutic Uses
For some time, lecithin/phosphatidylcholine was one of the most commonly recommended natural treatments for high cholesterol. However, for a long time, this idea rested entirely on studies of unacceptably low quality. As double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of lecithin for high cholesterol began to emerge, some did show lecithin was effective for lowering cholesterol levels. However, many showed very modest results. While it is still assumed from emerging studies that lecithin helps regulate bad cholesterol, more studies remain necessary. In Europe, phosphatidylcholine is also used to treat liver diseases, such as alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and viral hepatitis. However, research into these potential uses remains preliminary and has yielded contradictory results.
Researchers have become interested in using phosphatidylcholine as a supportive treatment for severe ulcerative colitis. In persons with ulcerative colitis, there may be an insufficient quantity of phosphatidylcholine in the mucus lining the colon. Taking phosphatidylcholine may correct this deficiency.
In a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, sixty persons whose ulcerative colitis was poorly responsive to corticosteroids were randomized to receive either phosphatidylcholine (2 g per day) or placebo for twelve weeks. One-half of the participants taking phosphatidylcholine showed a significant improvement in symptoms, versus only 10 percent taking placebo. Moreover, 80 percent of those taking phosphatidylcholine were able to discontinue their corticosteroids without disease flare-ups, compared with 10 percent who took a placebo.
Some evidence hints that phosphatidylcholine may reduce homocysteine levels, which was thought likely to reduce heart disease risk. Because phosphatidylcholine plays a role in nerve function, it has also been suggested as a treatment for various psychological and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia (a late-developing side effect of drugs used for psychosis). It may also improve brain and memory function. However, the evidence that it works is limited to small studies with conflicting results.
Lecithin has been offered as a treatment for clogged milk ducts in breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, its choline components have been shown to provide extra nutrition to breastfeeding babies or drinking pumped breast milk. Lecithin is sometimes used to soothe irritated skin and alleviate eczema. Finally, supplementation with lecithin is proposed to help with mood and anxiety disorders, although more studies are needed.
Safety Issues
Lecithin is believed to be generally safe. However, some people taking high dosages (several grams daily) experience minor but annoying side effects, such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea. Maximum safe dosages for young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined.
Bibliography
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Singh, N. K., and R. C. Prasad. "A Pilot Study of Polyunsaturated Phosphatidyl Choline in Fulminant and Subacute Hepatic Failure." Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, vol. 46, 1998, pp. 530-532.
Stremmel, W., et al. "Phosphatidylcholine for Steroid-Refractory Chronic Ulcerative Colitis." Annals of Internal Medicine, vol. 147, 2007, pp. 603-610.
Wilson, Debra Rose, et al. "Lecithin Benefits." Healthline, 15 Dec. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/lecithin-benefits. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.