Phosphatidylcholine is a primary lipid component of cell membranes found at high levels in egg yolks, and the major component of lecithin, a mixture of essential fatty substances. In addition to its roles in maintaining the structure and function of cell membranes, phosphatidylcholine acts as a source of the essential nutrient choline, which is important for the production of a brain chemical involved in learning and memory, called acetylcholine. Adequate dietary intake of phosphatidylcholine is associated with better cognition. Supplementation is safe, but trials have not shown clear cognitive benefits to date.
Observational studies suggest a link between dietary phosphatidylcholine and dementia risk, but clinical studies of supplementation do not show evidence of offering cognitive benefits. Our search identified:
An analysis between nutrient intake and dementia risk in 3,224 participants from the Framingham Heart Study found that low dietary choline intake and low phosphatidylcholine intake were associated with higher dementia risk [1]. A separate study including 2,497 Finnish men found that individuals with the highest dietary intake levels of phosphatidylcholine (>222 mg/day) had a 28% lower risk of dementia relative to those with the lowest intake (<144 mg/day) [2]. High phosphatidylcholine intake was also associated with better cognitive function. Supplementation with egg-yolk derived phosphatidylcholine was associated with better verbal memory performance in middle-aged to older adults in a company sponsored clinical trial, though the effects were small, and benefits were not seen in other cognitive domains [3].
Short term clinical trials testing phosphatidylcholine or lecithin have not shown evidence of cognitive benefit for patients with Alzheimer’s disease [4].
Phosphatidylcholine derived from lecithin has been granted generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status. Phosphatidylcholine and lecithin have been well tolerated in clinical trials, and not associated with any serious adverse events. Some minor gastrointestinal events have been reported [5]. Phosphatidylcholine intake is not associated with increases in the inflammatory marker TMAO seen with some other formulations of choline [6]. There are no known drug interactions with phosphatidylcholine.
NOTE: This is not a comprehensive safety evaluation or complete list of potentially harmful drug interactions. It is important to discuss safety issues with your physician before taking any new supplement or medication.
Phosphatidylcholine and lecithin are available as oral supplements. These supplements can vary in their lipid content depending on the source. Phosphatidylcholine is enriched in egg yolks, organ meats, soy, and nuts. No clinically therapeutic doses of phosphatidylcholine have been established. The recommended intake level of choline by the US Institute of Medicine is 550 mg/day for adults [2].
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For more information on the history, use, and safety see Drugs.com