Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that provides choline, essential for cell signaling and metabolism. It is found in egg yolks and soybeans and can reduce atherosclerosis, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. It may also benefit neurological conditions and liver function, but should not be used without consulting a doctor. It is sometimes added to fat-burning supplements, but exercise and diet control are better alternatives.
Phosphatidylcholine, more properly phosphatidylcholine, is a molecule capable of providing an excellent source of choline, a chemical compound necessary for healthy bodily function. This molecule belongs to a family of molecules known as phospholipids, all of which share the characteristic of having a long “tail” made up of fatty acid chains, and a hydrophilic head made up of a phosphate group. In the case of phosphatidylcholine, the head is attached to a choline molecule.
Choline plays a number of important roles in the body. It is essential for cell signaling throughout the body, including neurons in the brain, and is involved in the body’s metabolism, especially of fats. In the liver, choline maintains elevated liver function by ensuring that fats are processed, rather than letting them settle on the liver and inhibit liver function. Humans can get choline from many sources, including phosphatidylcholine, and true choline deficiency is quite rare.
Two common sources of phosphatidylcholine are egg yolks and soybeans. This compound is a major component of lecithin, and many people taking lecithin supplements are taking those supplements to access the phosphatidylcholine within. People who eat a balanced, healthy diet usually have access to all the choline they need, even if supplements are available. When phosphatidylcholine enters the body, the body breaks it down so it can use the fatty acid chains and choline molecules.
This molecule can help reduce atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries, and can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Studies indicate that phosphatidylcholine may also be beneficial for people with certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, and may benefit people suffering from depression. Liver and gallbladder function can also be supported with phosphatidylcholine supplements. People should not attempt to address such conditions with phosphatidylcholine or other supplements without consulting a doctor.
Because this molecule helps with fat metabolism, phosphatidylcholine is sometimes added to supplements that claim to “burn fat.” People should be aware that many of these supplements are unregulated, or only loosely regulated, and may contain an assortment of ingredients, some of which could be potentially harmful. For people who are unhappy with their weight, there are alternatives such as exercise and diet control that are usually better suited to weight management than taking supplements, many of which only work on a temporary basis.
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