Lecithin Supplement Review, Comparison & Best Products for Sale Online

Lecithin supplements are a source of fatty acids that play an important role in the brain and body.

Lecithin is a fatty substance called a phospholipid. Sources of lecithin include egg yolks, soybeans, sunflower seeds, spinach, liver and other organ meats and nuts.

Lecithin increases the amount of choline and inositol in the body, which helps promote healthy brain and liver function.

Choline serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. [1] This neurotransmitter is involved in a number of body and brain functions, including memory, sleep and circulation.

Inositol is similar to B vitamins and helps promote health levels of blood pressure and cholesterol in the body. It is also involved in breaking down body fat and supporting healthy skin and hair.

Those who do not get enough choline or inositol through dietary sources can increase their consumption by taking lecithin supplement products.

There are several kinds of lecithin supplements available online and in health and wellness stores. Those who are planning to take these supplements should know what these different options are and understand the differences between them before choosing one.

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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Common Uses of Lecithin Supplements

Lecithin supplements are used for weight loss and plugged ducts that occur while breastfeeding. They have several other uses as well, including supporting liver function and brain function.

Lecithin supplements have also been used to promote healthy cholesterol levels and boost cognitive function. They are used to improve memory, learning and other cognitive functions in those with normal memory loss due to aging.

This dietary supplement has been studied for managing psychological disorders, including bipolar disorder. It has also been used to manage liver disease and gallbladder disease. These supplements are also used for reducing the accumulation of fat within liver tissue, also known as hepatic steatosis.

Even though natural medicine practitioners recommend lecithin for a number of different conditions, there is limited research into its clinical use. It is not approved by the FDA as a drug for the prevention or treatment of any health problems.

More research is available on the effects of active constituents found in this natural extract, such as choline and inositol. Many of the presumed benefits of lecithin supplements are based on the known effects of its constituents.

Different Types of Lecithin Supplements for Sale

Lecithin supplements come in a number of different forms. These include softgels, liquid, powder and granules. These products can also be made with different ingredients and sources of phospholipids.

Some supplements contain lecithin that is derived from soybeans, while others use lecithin that comes from sunflower seeds or egg yolks.

Lecithin supplements contain different concentrations of fatty acids. While granules typically have higher concentrations of phospholipids than powder, liquid or softgels, there are concentrated softgels available that also offer a higher amount of potency.

Certain supplement formulations are also enriched with additional sources of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylserine. Alpha Glycerylphosphoryl Choline (Alpha GPC) is a highly-concentrated form of choline that is extracted from soy lecithin.

Lecithin supplements are available in GMO or non-GMO versions. Those who prefer to avoid taking supplements with ingredients that might be genetically modified can take non-GMO or certified organic supplements instead.

GMO and non-GMO products typically do not differ significantly in terms of efficacy, but some consumers are concerned over potential harmful or long-term effects of GMO products.

Research into the Effects

There is limited research into the physiological and neurological effects of lecithin supplementation on humans. More research is required to determine its efficacy for many of its purported uses.

Lecithin supplements have been used for weight loss and some sources recommend taking this product to promote healthy weight management.

There is research showing that lecithin influences the metabolism and transportation of fatty acids in the body, but no evidence is available demonstrating that it can help individuals lose unwanted body weight.

According to Vanderbilt University, these supplements do not necessarily have an effect on subcutaneous fat, although they may inhibit fat molecules from becoming attached to artery walls. [2]

Supplements with lecithin are rated Possibly Effective for reducing the unhealthy accumulation of lipids in the liver in individuals undergoing long-term parenteral nutrition, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3] Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) may also be improved with choline supplementation.

Preliminary studies have demonstrated benefits lowering cholesterol levels in those with hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol. However, not all studies on blood lipid levels have found the same results.

Soy lecithin capsules were shown to reduce cholesterol levels in participants with high cholesterol in the results of a 2010 study published in Cholesterol. [4]

Lecithin supplements are sometimes promoted for improving cognitive decline in those with dementia or improving memory in those with age-related decline. However, research suggests that it may not work for this use.

According to a 2003 study in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, lecithin was not associated with significant results on memory performance in those with dementia. [5]

There have been other studies on lecithin derivatives like phosphatidylcholine and Alpha GPC demonstrating positive effects on memory and cognition. However, it is not known whether lecithin use will produce the same effects.

How to Take Lecithin Supplements

Lecithin supplements are usually taken orally, although topical cream forms are available for eczema and dry skin.

Lecithin powder, liquid and granules can be added to water, juice or other beverages. Liquid and powder forms of this product dissolve in beverages, while granules do not dissolve and typically float near the top. Lecithin powder and granules can also be mixed into foods for consumption.

Supplements that contain lecithin come in a wide range of daily dosages, including 7,500 MG, 1,200 MG and 250 MG.

Oral tablets and capsules usually come in dosages of 19 grains or 21 grains per dosage. This refers to the equivalent number of granules provided per capsule. For example, a 19 grain supplement will contain a dosage of 1,200 MG lecithin.

Concentrated softgel products also exist and require a lower dosage because they contain higher amounts of phospholipids per serving size. One product advertises a formulation of 61% soy phosphatides, making it more concentrated than other brands.

Consumers who want to use lecithin supplements for weight loss, mastitis or other uses should consult their doctor to determine a safe dosage, which is based on their age, overall health and other factors.

Consumers who use lecithin products typically report that they are beneficial for supporting cognitive function in healthy individuals, promoting liver detoxification, cardiovascular health, and normal cholesterol levels.

A moderate number of reviews stated that these products were not effective for neurological health, cholesterol, weight loss or other uses. Some users say they did not experience any effects from taking this product.

Side Effects of Lecithin Pills

Lecithin supplements are considered safe to take in general. Some consumers might experience short-term side effects that are usually mild to moderate in nature, such as nausea and other gastrointestinal problems.

Adverse reactions and serious side effects have not been observed with the use of lecithin supplements. It is generally well tolerated by the majority of users.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that as a food additive, this ingredient is considered “generally recognized as safe” or GRAS by the FDA. [3]

Some have raised concerns about the potential for metabolites of lecithin breakdown in the gut causing negative effects on heart health. More research is needed to determine whether these claims are well-founded or not.

Lecithin products are not associated with any potential interactions with food, other supplements or herbs. They do have a moderate potential to affect topical diclofenac absorption.

Consumers who use any medications should see their doctor before using lecithin supplements in oral or topical form.

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