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What is Lecithin Powder?

Lecithin belongs to a family of fatty compounds known as phospholipids. It is required by every living cell in the human body -– all 600 trillion of it -- for building cell membranes. These membranes are responsible in managing and regulating the passage of nutrients into and out of the cells, as well as protecting the cells’ internal structures. In fact, lecithin is responsible for making the membranes in our body permeable enough for the nutrients to enter so that our cells would not die. This essential fatty substance is also present in the protective sheaths covering nerve cells and muscles. It also plays a key role in numerous metabolic functions, especially in metabolizing cholesterol and other lipids. Although lecithin is a lipid, it is partly soluble in water and thus acts as an emulsifier and nutritional supplement, a substance that helps fats mix with water and other bodily fluids. It helps spread out cholesterol and other fats in body fluids so that they can be effectively eliminated from the body. Consequently, vital organs and arteries are protected and spared from fatty buildup, making Lecithin valuable in the prevention of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Lecithin, a powder produced commercially from soybeans and used as an emulsifier to keep water and fat from separating in foods, can be found in margarine, chocolate, baked goods, and breakfast cereals.

Lecithin, also known as phosphatidylcholine, is a compound containing two fatty acids and choline. It is the most common and most abundant phospholipid component in all cells in the body. The main function of Phospholipids is two-fold: it first forms a protective barrier around cells, and this later serves as their framework as well. Lecithin is purified phosphatidyl choline (PC) and generally consists of 10-20% PC. Though Lecithin is also known as phosphatidylcholine, lecithin is a term loosely applied to describe a combination of phosphatidylcholine with other phospholipids. Since phosphatidylcholine levels in brain cell membranes decline with age, thus contributing to memory loss, supplementation may be necessary. Alternatively, one can ingest lecithin through dietary sources such as eggs, soy, and meats. Lecithin is readily available in many animal proteins, such as beef, lamb, liver, and pork. Food rich in Lecithin also include soybeans, egg yolks, oatmeal, wheat germ, and peanuts. Additionally, the human liver manufactures lecithin, and the brain and nerves are rich in this substance, which is important for transporting nerve impulses through the body. As an integral constituent of lipoproteins, lecithin functions in the movement of triglycerides and cholesterol through the blood as well. Through a healthy and balanced diet, adequate quantities of Lecithin can be consumed for vibrant health.

What is Lecithin Powder used for and who uses it?

Virtually anyone who wants to help his or her body process fats better and his or her mind function better should supplement with lecithin since numerous vital organs such as the liver, muscles, and reproductive tract contain high quantities of phospholipids, the most common of which is lecithin. Lecithin is a major component of bile, the digestive juices that breaks down fats. Some experts point out that low levels of lecithin in the bile have been linked to an increased risk of gallstones. Lecithin is also a rich source of choline, one of the B vitamins, and it also contains linoleic acid and inositol. Once in the body, a major constituent of lecithin called phosphatidylcholine changes into choline. Choline is used to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is critical in transmitting impulses along nerve pathways. Choline is also essential for maintaining cell membranes.

As a supplier of choline, PC (phosphatidyl choline) is needed to maintain cell membrane integrity and to facilitate the movement of fats in and out of cells, as well as ions, wastes, and nutrients. Also, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine consists of PC as part of its make-up. Due to its choline structure, lecithin has been thought as a memory enhancer by improving cognitive function. The choline and inositol in lecithin shield against hardening of the arteries and heart disease by enhancing and stimulating normal processing of fat and cholesterol. Lecithin by itself aids in this process by binding fats and cholesterol to water so that they can be eliminated efficiently by letting them just pass through the body, rather than cause a potentially harmful buildup in the heart or liver. Nerve cells and cell membranes, the protective layer surrounding the brain, also have this essential fatty substance.

Lecithin has gained its popular as a dietary supplement for its beneficial effects in improving memory as well as helping with a variety of ailments, including arthritis, gallstones, and skin disorders. One of the end results of lecithin digestion in the body is linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Because polyunsaturated fat can lower blood cholesterol, it has been proposed that linoleic acid derived from lecithin digestion holds the key for the cholesterol-lowering effect commonly attributed to lecithin. The choline found in lecithin also helps the body produce acetylcholine, a substance that acts as a chemical messenger to parts of the nervous system, and is essential to the brain’s memory function. Many clinical studies have demonstrated that people who consumed lecithin have significant improvement in memory test scores and fewer memory lapses than those who took the placebos.

How pure is your Lecithin Powder?

This pharmaceutical grade amino Lecithin Powder is assayed by the manufacturer to be 97.79% pure. You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this yellow beige lecithin powder product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining 2.21% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction.

Research shows that lecithin may help lower cholesterol levels by physically binding to cholesterol in the bloodstream. Lecithin helps to keep arteriosclerosis at bay, shields against cardiovascular disease, enhances brain function, aids in keeping the liver and kidneys healthy, helps in thiamin and vitamin A absorption, and can even help repair liver damage brought by alcoholism. Lecithin is also believed to have antioxidant properties, may help decrease the symptoms of liver disease, and can be of great use to those suffering from multiple sclerosis. Although more research is still needed to substantiate and ascertain these numerous health benefits and claims, this nutrient is essential to every living cell in the human body since it is of paramount importance in building cell membranes. For these reasons, it makes sense to consider taking this as a supplement.

What is the daily suggested dose of Lecithin Powder?

The minimum suggested dose for healthy people is 600mg a day. For those who wish to reverse the decline of brain and cognitive functions the suggested dose is 600mg BID (1200mg per day). There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for lecithin, but many doctors agree that consuming two tablespoons of lecithin granules sprinkled on food each day (yogurt, soups, cereal, etc.) should be enough. A wide variety of foods is rich in lecithin, including cabbage, cauliflower, chickpeas, green beans, lentils, soybeans, corn, split peas, calves’ liver, eggs, brewer’s yeast, grains, legumes, fish, and wheat germ. It is also typically added to ice cream, margarine, mayonnaise, and chocolate bars.

Taking a 1,200-milligram capsule prior to each meal can be of great help to the body in digesting and processing fats and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Lecithin Powder here. Taking one fourth level teaspoon twice a day will supply a total daily dose of about 1.2 grams or 1,200 milligrams.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Precautions and Potential side effects of Lecithin Powder

According to experts lecithin is generally safe, although high doses may cause bloating, diarrhea, and other intestinal symptoms. Just as it is with any dietary supplement, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Although less than 10% of patients experienced any side effects, the most common being constipation and nervousness, overdosing with lecithin can nausea, dizziness, and vomiting as well. For these reasons it is not advisable to take large doses of this supplement without first consulting a physician.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Lecithin Powder is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

LG Sciences Lipotropic Protein, ISS Research Super Vitamin Pak, Avant Labs LipoDerm-Ultra, Universal Super Cuts 3, Universal Fat Burners, Country Life Lecithin, NOW Lecithin, Biochem Ultimate Fat Metabolizer, C.A.L. Millennium 2000, Enyotics Health Science Focus Fast, EP2 Muscletropin, NOW Chewable CoQ10 200mg + Lecithin, Schiff 21 Grain Lecithin, Solaray Lecithin Granules

References & Further Research

Several studies have been done with phosphatidylcholine to investigate its effects on memory. The results of the studies have not been consistent. Some have shown positive responses (Sorgatz 1987, Ladd, 1993), while others showed no difference in memory or learning after lecithin administration. Phosphatidylcholine has even been evaluated in Parkinson’s disease (Tweedy 1982). In this nine-week long double-blind study, sixteen elderly patients took a daily dose of approximately 32 grams of a commercial lecithin preparation. Marked clinical improvement was not observed, but there was a slight improvement in memory, cognition, and motility. Phosphatidylcholine may be helpful in ulcerative colitis.

Therapeutic applications of citicoline for stroke and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly: a review of the literature
Citicoline (CDP-choline; cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine), a form of the essential nutrient choline, shows promise of clinical efficacy in elderly patients with cognitive deficits, inefficient memory, and early-stage Alzheimer's disease. CDP-choline has also been investigated as a therapy in stroke patients, although the results of trials to date are inconclusive. Produced endogenously, CDP-choline serves as a choline donor in the metabolic pathways for biosynthesis of acetylcholine and neuronal membrane phospholipids, chiefly phosphatidylcholine. The principal components of CDP-choline, choline and cytidine, are readily absorbed in the GI tract and easily cross the blood-brain barrier. As a dietary supplement, CDP-choline appears useful for improving both the structural integrity and functionality of the neuronal membrane that may assist in membrane repair.

"Brain-specific" nutrients: a memory cure?
We review the experimental evaluations of several widely marketed nonprescription compounds claimed to be memory enhancers and treatments for age-related memory decline. The choline compounds phosphatidylcholine and CDP-choline are thought to promote synthesis and transmission of neurotransmitters important to memory. Phosphatidylcholine has not proven effective for improving memory in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease. The issue remains open for older adults without serious degenerative neural disease In sum, for most of the "brain-specific" nutrients we review, some mildly suggestive effects have been found in preliminary controlled studies using standard psychometric memory assessments or more general tests designed to reveal cognitive impairment.

Lecithin for dementia and cognitive impairment
Alzheimer's disease sufferers have been found to have a lack of the enzyme responsible for converting choline into acetylcholine within the brain. Lecithin is a major dietary source of choline, so extra consumption may reduce the progression of dementia. To determine the efficacy of lecithin in the treatment of dementia or cognitive impairment, the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group's Specialized Register was searched on 15 May 2002 using the terms lecithin and phosphatidylcholine. Evidence from randomized trials does not support the use of lecithin - phosphatidylcholine - in the treatment of patients with dementia. A moderate effect cannot be ruled out, but results from the small trials to date do not indicate priority for a large randomized trial.

Lecithin Powder for International Customers

We have the most economical shipping costs & labeling practices for International orders. You can see our shipping costs here. Also, please note, that anything in a 1.5kg package can be shipped within a single flat rate envelope, however our shopping cart mistakenly displays 2 envelopes. Go ahead and ship the order, and you will notice that it only charges you the cost of 1 anyway. Look at the shipping costs tab above to see for yourself how you can calculate these charges.

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