Lecithin Capsules Uses for Fat Loss, Breastfeeding & More [Review]

Oral lecithin capsules and softgels are one option for increasing your dietary intake of beneficial phospholipids.

Some of the health benefits associated with lecithin supplementation include helping to normalize blood lipid concentrations, decrease cholesterol, improve mood and enhance cutaneous (skin) hydration.

People use lecithin capsules and powders for various purposes, such as supporting brain health, memory performance, resistance to stress, athletic performance and to increase availability of the essential dietary nutrient choline.

Lecithin is also commonly used for clogged milk ducts when nursing, gallstones, high cholesterol and hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease).

If you are looking for lecithin supplements for sale online, you will typically see it in the form of soy (soybean) lecithin or as sunflower lecithin. While capsules can be used, bulk powders may be more convenient given the large dosages commonly recommended.

Lecithin

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Memory Function

Metabolism

How It Works:

• Natural source of Phosphatidyl Choline
• Provides nervous system support
• Promotes memory function & brain cell health

Dosage:

Between 1 - 35 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Should You Use Lecithin Supplements?

Lecithin is a naturally-occurring type of fat complex that is essential for the health of cells within the body.

It is a source of phospholipids, which are lipid molecules that are incorporated into cell membranes and support structural integrity as well as signalling function.

Lecithin contains a combination of glycerophospholipids such as Phosphatidyl Choline, Phosphatidyl Serine, Phosphatidyl Eethanolamine, Phosphatidyl Inositol, and Phosphatidic Acid.

This fatty substance was initially identified in eggs, earning it the Greek name lekythos, which translates to “egg yolks”.

Lecithin is also found in fish roe, chicken, soybeans, peanuts, calf liver, wheat, oatmeal, butter, corn and sunflower oils

Lecithin is used commercially as a food additive due to its emulsification properties. It can help to keep solutions shelf-stable in liquid form and is commonly added to processed foods such as mayonnaise, salad dressings and protein bars.

While there is generally a negative associated with processed foods, lecithin on its own is associated with positive effects on health and well-being.

Soy Lecithin Capsules

A lot of people are apprehensive about buying lecithin capsules sourced from soybeans. That is mainly because about 94% of all soy grown now is genetically modified. [1]

Some of the adverse health conditions associated with GMO (genetically modified organism) soybean include disruptions to hormonal balance, ED (erectile dysfunction), fertility problems, low libido and male breast growth (gynecomastia). [1]

There is a lot of concern globally about GMO plants being used in mainstream food supplies. Unfermented GMO soybeans contain various chemical compounds which are known to be damaging to health. Some of these include:

• Trypsin inhibitors which slow down pancreatic activities and protein metabolism;
• Phytoestrogens and isoflavones which are linked to breast cancer and infertility;
• Denatured proteins which can cause intolerance or allergy to soy;
• Hemagglutinin which can decrease oxygen in red blood cells;
• Goitrogens which can cause thyroid dysfunction and disease;
• Phytic acid which strips minerals from the body;

It is important to note that organic, non-GMO soybean lecithin is associated with several health benefits. It is not necessarily the soy that is the issue, but rather the unknown possible adverse health effects of GMO soybeans.

Dr. Josh Axe and Dr. Joseph Mercola both recommend consuming only fermented, organic, non-GMO soybean-sourced lecithin foods like natto, tempeh and miso. Some people prefer to take a daily organic lecithin capsule instead.

Sunflower Lecithin Capsules

Currently, there are more than 70 million acres of soybeans grown in the US alone each year. Because of the fear of GMO soybeans, lecithin sourced from non-GMO sunflower is in high demand.

Sunflower lecithin capsules are made from organic sunflower plants which are cold-pressed to obtain lecithin from the oil. They are not extracted with alcohol or acetone like many soy lecithin supplements.

Note that lecithin is not unique to soybeans and sunflowers. It is a general term used to refer to various fatty substances found in many plant and animal tissues. Lecithin is a naturally-occurring compound that is made up of:

• Phosphoric acid;
• Phospholipids;
• Triglycerides;
• Glycolipids;
• Glycerol;
• Choline;

According to Dr. Josh Axe, lecithin has been used for years, even without sufficient reliable clinical evidence, to treat a variety of health conditions. [2]

Lecithin Capsules for Weight Loss

One of the purported benefits of lecithin is improved blood lipid levels and cholesterol balance. It has been shown to promote fat oxidation in the liver and to prevent the accumulation of lipids linked to fatty liver disease.

Because it may influence fat metabolism and improve its transportation throughout the body, some sources have recommended use of lecithin as part of a weight loss program.

However, there is no human evidence that supports using lecithin capsules to lose weight or as a weight maintenance aids. Some researchers believe that consuming too much lecithin might contribute to weight gain because it is comprised largely of fatty acids.

Vanderbilt University (VU) states, “Any diet or supplement that promises a quick fix to weight loss either has no scientific proof, and/or is probably a serious health risk. Lecithin supplements for weight loss fit into both of these categories.” [3]

According to VU, the only proven and safe method for losing excess weight is to consume healthy, low-fat foods and to engage a routine exercise program.

Lecithin Capsules for Clogged Milk Ducts

Mastitis is a condition where the milk ducts of nursing mothers become blocked. It can have several causes, but results in infected breast tissue which prevents the flow of milk. Painful lumps in breast tissue are common with mastitis.

Lecithin is proposed to improve milk flow in nursing mothers due to its emulsifying properties. It is both fat-soluble (lipophilic) and water-soluble (hydrophilic) and can help to keep mixtures of fat and oils in a solution or suspension.

According to Healthline, “It’s thought to help prevent the breast ducts from getting plugged by increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk and decreasing its stickiness.”

There is no clinical evidence available to evaluate the efficacy of taking lecithin pills for mastitis. However, reviews on Amazon commonly report improvements in this condition.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that lecithin is used for various other conditions as well. Some of these include mania, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, gallbladder disease and liver disease. [4]

Lecithin capsules and powders are also used for treating manic-depressive illness (bipolar disorder), improving memory, decreasing stress and anxiety, and skin conditions like eczema. Lecithin is also used to decrease involuntary movements of the face and jaw associated with Parkinsonism (tardive dyskinesia). [4]

The FDA has not approved lecithin supplements as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any medical conditions. More research is needed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.

Lecithin Capsules Side Effects

Lecithin is a GRAS food according to the US FDA. That means it is considered generally safe for proper use in appropriate amounts and is generally well tolerated.

The only side effects associated with lecithin are nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, feelings of fullness and allergic reactions in rare cases. [4]

According to NMCD, use of lecithin as a dietary supplement is Likely Safe. Intravenous, subcutaneous and topical use of lecithin is also rated Likely Safe.

There is little concern of adverse effects when using a non-GMO, organically-sourced lecithin supplement.

Some research suggests that gut bacteria can convert lecithin into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), which can have negative consequences on health if absorbed by the body. However, more research is needed to evaluate the potential risk.

Ask your doctor if he or she thinks taking a daily lecithin capsule is right for you. Be sure to discuss the medications you are using, as well as any herbal supplements you may take.

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