Lecithin

Lecithin is a substance that is commonly used as a food and drug additive but is also available as a dietary supplement. Although it is claimed to be beneficial for numerous conditions, including bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and high cholesterol, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to suggest that the supplement is indeed effective. Potential side effects of lecithin include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

 

What Is Lecithin?

Lecithin is a substance found in the cell membranes of plants and animals. It is used as a food and drug additive (often as an emulsifier) but has become popular as a dietary supplement. Lecithin supplementation is claimed to be beneficial for many conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, gallbladder disease, liver disease, bipolar disorder, and high cholesterol. There are two main types of the supplement, soy lecithin and egg lecithin.
 
The substance is a complex mixture of various different compounds. However, the term "lecithin" is sometimes used to describe just one particular phospholipid (phosphatidylcholine) found in the mixture.
 
(Click Lecithin Benefits for more information on what the supplement is used for.)
 

How Does It Work?

Because lecithin is a complex mixture of different compounds, it is not entirely clear how it might work. It contains a mixture of different compounds, such as fatty acids, triglycerides, carbohydrates, and phospholipids. Lecithin contains choline, a compound that the body can use to make acetylcholine, an important brain chemical that is low in people with Alzheimer's disease.
 
In addition, it contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, which could potentially cause negative effects for heart health.
 

Is Lecithin Effective?

In general, there is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that the supplement is indeed effective for most uses (see Does Lecithin Work? for more information).
 

Dosing Information

There is no established standard lecithin dosage, although general guidelines may be obtained from a few clinical studies that have evaluated certain uses of the supplement.
 
(Click Lecithin Dosage for more information.)
 

Potential Side Effects

People sometimes assume that dietary supplements are automatically free of side effects. However, this is usually not the case. In studies, lecithin has been reported to cause the following side effects:
 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Abdominal fullness.
     
(Click Lecithin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

It is not known if lecithin interacts with other medications or supplements (see Lecithin Drug Interactions).
 

Lecithin Safety

Normal consumption of lecithin (through food) is safe for most people. Medicinal use also appears to be safe in many circumstances. Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to this supplement. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking lecithin medicinally if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Is Lecithin Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

It is not known exactly what to expect from an overdose of this supplement. If you think you or someone else may have taken too much lecithin, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Lecithin Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods for Lecithin

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how to best store lecithin supplements. Keep all medications and supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;