Lecithin |
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Basic Information
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? Yes
Prescription required? No
NATURAL SOURCES
Cabbage
Calves' liver
Cauliflower
Caviar
Eggs
Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
Green beans
Lentils
Rice
Soy lecithin
Soybeans
Split peas
Found in all animal and plant products.
REASONS TO USE
Protects against damage to cells by oxidation.
Major source of the chemical nutrient choline. Choline's
benefits are also lecithin's benefits. See Choline.
People taking niacin or nicotine acid for treatment of
high-serum cholesterol and triglycerides need lecithin or
choline supplements.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Protects against cardiovascular disease.
Protects against memory loss.
Prevents some diseases of the nervous system, such as
Alzheimer's disease and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary,
abnormal facial movements including grimacing, sticking out
tongue and sucking movements).
Treats Alzheimer's disease.
Treats liver damage caused by alcoholism.
Lowers cholesterol level.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
No one.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
There are no specific deficiency symptoms in man, although
some animals can suffer from lack of choline. Lecithin must be
present for choline synthesis in the human body.
UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of heart or blood-vessel disease
Decreasing mental alertness
LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
None available, except for experimental purposes.
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):
No RDA has been established.
What this supplement does:
Lecithin is a phospholipid composed of saturated, unsaturated
and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It also contains glycerin,
phosphorous and choline.
It is found in chemicals that aid passage of many nutrients
from the bloodstream into cells.
Miscellaneous information:
Is is used as a thickener in several foods, including
mayonnaise, margarine, ice cream.
Supplements are not needed by healthy people.
Available as:
Tablets: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Don't chew
or crush. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
Liquid: Dilute in at least 1/2 glass of water or other liquid.
Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are healthy and eat a well-balanced diet.
Consult your doctor if you have:
Plans to treat Alzheimer's disease with lecithin/choline.
Over age 55:
No problems expected.
Pregnancy:
Supplements are not needed.
Breast-feeding:
Supplements are not needed.
Effect on lab tests:
May cause inaccurate results in lecithin/sphingomyelin test as
part of examination of amniotic fluid.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't
freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture
may change action of supplement.
Others:
Don't take more than 1 gram per day.
OVERDOSE/TOXICITY
Signs and symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
What to do:
For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue supplement, and
consult doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
section below.
For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle):
Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest Poison
Control Center.
ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
| Reaction or effect |
What to do |
| "Fishy" body odor |
Discontinue. Call doctor when |
|
convenient. |
INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS
| Interacts with |
Combined effect |
| Nicotinic acid (nicotinamide, |
Decreases lecithin |
| vitamin B-3) |
effectiveness. |
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
None known
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