Sunflower Lecithin Supplement Uses, Health Benefits, Dosages & Risks

Sunflower lecithin is a supplement composed of the lecithin extracted from a sunflower seed.

Lecithin, which is a common phospholipid, is also found in other sources, such as egg yolk, spinach, organ meat and other seeds or nuts.

It contains choline, a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as well as phosphadatidyl esters. Sunflower lecithin is often chosen over soy-based supplements because of the propensity of other sources to cause allergies.

This supplement may be used for several different purposes, including acne, anxiety, mental clarity and more. While research studies have supported some of these uses of sunflower lecithin, insufficient evidence exists to validate other uses.

Research into the effects of this phospholipid on the body is ongoing. To help you determine whether sunflower lecithin may be beneficial for you, this article will review how this supplement works, how to use it and potential side effects.

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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Sunflower Lecithin Uses & Benefits

According to the Natural Medicines Database, people have used sunflower lecithin for manic-depressive illness, liver disease, gallbladder disease, eczema, anxiety, hypercholesterolemia, cognitive disorders and more.

The FDA has not approved lecithin as a treatment for any specific medical condition. It is not approved as a drug to prevent or alleviate any symptoms of health problems.

According to the results of recent research, sunflower lecithin may have several beneficial effects on the human body. The purported benefits include:

Enhanced memory. – Based on the results of some studies, it seems that lecithin supplements may improve explicit memory.

Protective effects for the liver. – Studies have shown that this phospholipid supplement may protect the liver from certain types of damage and improve fat transport in liver tissue.

Effects on cancerous tumors. – Sunflower lecithin may have specific antitumor effects. More research is needed to understand how it may affect cancer development.

Better sleep. – Research indicates that when administered intravenously, this natural plant compound may shorten the time it takes for an individual to enter REM sleep.

Benefits for the respiratory system. – Lecithin may improve the symptoms of asthma in some individuals.

Brain Health. This nutrient complex contains choline, a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Increasing acetylcholine levels may support cognitive health and promote neuroplasticity of brain cells.

Healthier skin and hair. – Research shows that it may improve the health and quality of hair and skin. Lecithin may also act as a natural moisturizer, providing additional support to these tissues.

Sunflower lecithin may also support fertility, lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve athletic performance. Furthermore, studies have shown that this supplement may inhibit the release of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormones during times of physical and mental stress.

Keep in mind that, although some scientific evidence exists to support these benefits, additional research is required to validate them further. This supplement has not been approved for clinical use in the treatment of any medical conditions.

Comparison to Soy Lecithin

Sunflower lecithin is often chosen over other forms of the supplement because they may be less likely to cause allergies. For example, soy lethicin, which contains extracts from soybeans, may not be safe for people with soybean allergies.

Many people are sensitive to soy products and are concerned about adverse effects on health related to hormone balance. Natural News reports that unfermented soy may contain toxins and plant oestrogens, which can be dangerous for the thyroid.

Natural News also reports that unfermented soy may weaken the immune system and contribute to the development of kidney stones. Thus, some people choose sunflower lecithin over soy lecithin to avoid these potential risks.

Side Effects

According to the Natural Medicines Database, oral lecithin supplements, including sunflower lecithin, are considered likely safe when used appropriately. However, side effects are still possible for some consumers, especially when high doses are consumed.

The most common side effects include stomach pain, nausea and other gastrointestinal problems. If you experience bothersome side effects while taking this product, stop taking the supplement and consult your doctor.

Sunflower lecithin may interact with the prescription medication diclofenac. This supplement is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as few studies have explored the safety of in members of these populations.

Safe Dosage

Because the United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved sunflower lecithin as a treatment for any ailment or condition, official guidelines for dosing are not available at this time.

However, the Natural Medicines Database reports that the following dosages have been well tolerated by subjects in past research studies. These dosages are derived from studies involving lecithin from a variety of sources which may or may not include sunflower seeds.

• Total parenteral nutrition. – 40 grams of lecithin daily for six weeks.
• Tardive dyskinesia. – 20 to 50 grams daily for up to eight weeks.
• Stress. – 400 mg of asoy lecithin, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine complex three times daily for two months.
• Parkinson’s disease. – 32 grams daily for nine weeks.
• Mania. – 10 grams three times daily.
• Lipid lowering. – 550 mg three times daily.
• Dementia. – Up to 1,600 mg daily for three months.
• Enhanced athletic performance. – 2.2 grams daily.
• Alzheimer’s disease. – 10 to 25 grams daily for up to six months.

This supplement is available in the form of a powder, liquid, granules, capsules and topical cream. Keep in mind that recommended dosages may vary based on the form of the supplement you choose.

Pay attention to the concentration of sunflower lecithin in the supplement you choose, as well as the instructions on the packaging. Never take more than your doctor recommends.

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