Natural Products

Lecithin

Phosphatidyl choline

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Indications with proof that it is not effective:
  Alzheimer's disease
  Dementia
  Extrapyramidal disorders
  Gallbladder disease
  Hypercholesterolemia
  
• Indications with possible, but poorly documented efficacy - the use of this product cannot be recommended:
  Appetite loss related to a hepatic disease
  Hepatic steatosis

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
• Adverse Effects: Low

What is it?

Lecithin, a fat produced by the liver, is found in the cells of all living organisms, in the brain and various other tissues. Lecithin is a source of phospholipids and is also found in several foods, such as egg yolk and soy. In the food industry, lecithin is often used as a thickening agent, emulsifier or stabilizer in foods such as margarine or ice cream. In medicinal terms, lecithin is often used to refer to a purified substance called phosphatidyl choline.

Stores usually carry lecithin either in a powder form, providing 20 to 25% of phosphatidyl choline, or gel caps or liquid containing 60 to 90% of phosphatidyl choline.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

Lecithin appears to be a source of phosphatidyl choline that helps maintain the integrity of cell membrane and facilitate the movement of fat across the body's cells. Choline is also a part of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Consequently, lecithin could be useful, at least in theory, for the treatment of neuronal disorders. However, few studies have been conducted to assess lecithin's various medicinal properties.

Is it safe?

• Lecithin is considered safe. When high doses are taken orally (30 g or more daily), lecithin can cause diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain.
• Pregnant and breast-feeding women should only consume dietary amounts of lecithin.

References

1. Blumethal M et al. The Complete German Commission E monographs, 1998
2. Lexi-comp, Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, 2000-2001
3. Lininger S. et Al. The Natural Pharmacy, Prima Health, 1998
4. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
5. Pierce Andrea, Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, 1999
6. Passeportsanté.net. Phosphatidylcholine (lécithine). http://www.passeportsante.net