Lecithin is a phospholipid-rich compound from plants that often contains large amounts of phosphatidylcholine. Soy-derived lecithin is widely used in the food industry as an emulsifier. Some research shows lecithin from plant oils, such as soy and sunflower oils, may reduce cholesterol levels by decreasing absorption and increasing excretion of cholesterol.¹ In a placebo-controlled trial in 30 people with high cholesterol levels, those given 500 mg of soy lecithin daily had a 42% reduction in total and 56% reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels while those given placebo had no significant reductions in cholesterol levels after two months.² However, another placebo-controlled trial in 20 men with high cholesterol levels found 20 grams of lecithin daily for four weeks had no impact on cholesterol levels.³

 

Betaine (trimethylglycine) (6 grams per day) and choline (2 grams per day) have each been shown to lower homocysteine levels.^4,5 Choline in the amount of 2.6 grams per day (provided as 34 grams per day of soy lecithin) has also been shown to lower homocysteine levels in a double-blind trial.⁶ More recently, 1.5 grams of betaine per day, an amount similar to that in a typical diet, also has been found to lower homocysteine levels.⁷ Doctors usually consider supplementation with these nutrients only when supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 do not reduce homocysteine levels sufficiently. The results of this study, however, point to the potential benefit of increasing one’s intake of foods rich in betaine (such as whole wheat, spinach, beets, and other plant foods).

In a preliminary study of California mothers, those who had higher intakes of choline during the three months prior to conception were significantly less likely to give birth to a child with an NTD, compared with women with lower choline intakes.⁸ The possibility that choline may protect against NTDs is plausible, as choline has similar biochemical effects as folic acid, which is known to reduce NTD risk.

 

A double-blind trial of 20 to 25 grams per day of lecithin failed to produce improvements in mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.⁹ However, there were improvements in a subgroup of people who did not fully comply with the program, suggesting that lower amounts of lecithin may possibly be helpful. Lecithin supplementation has also been studied in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor drug called tacrine, with predominantly negative results.^10,11,12,13

 

Phosphatidylcholine (PC)—a purified extract from lecithin—is one of the components of bile that helps protect against gallstone formation. Some preliminary studies suggest that 300–2,000 mg per day of PC may help dissolve gallstones.^14,15 Some doctors suggest PC supplements as part of gallstone treatment, though the supporting research is weak.¹⁶