Phosphatidyl Choline - Dietary Supplements
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©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Introduction |
Phosphatidyl choline (PC) is a member of a class of compounds called the phospholipids. Phospholipids form lipid bilayers, which are a major part of the structure of cell membranes. The role that choline and phosphatidyl choline play in the formation and structure of cell membranes throughout the body is extremely important. For example, a mother's supply of choline and phosphatidyl choline can become depleted during pregnancy and lactation because of the infant's need for these nutrients. In fact, adequate levels of these cholinergic agents are critically important for the normal brain development of a fetus.( 1) Phosphatidyl choline can also be a source of choline that the body can use for the production of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that is critical for proper thought and memory processes.
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| Dosage Range |
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350 mg to 10,000 mg daily
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| Most Common Dosage |
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500 to 1,000 mg daily
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| Dosage Forms |
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capsules, granules
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| Reported Uses |
Phosphatidyl choline (PC) is a building block of liver cells. PC potentially helps the liver to recover after damage from alcohol, pollutants, viruses, and other toxic agents.(2) Phosphatidyl choline is one of the primary ingredients in lecithin. Lecithin was studied in patients with elevated cholesterol and elevated triglycerides. Patients who took soya lecithin daily for three months had reduced their total cholesterol and triglycerides, and also increased their HDL-cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol.(3)
Long-term steroid treatment is discouraged in ulcerative colitis but there is no other alternative when other treatments fail. At the end of 12 weeks of phosphatidylcholine supplementation, 80 percent of patients suffering from chronic steroid- refractory ulcerative colits were able to discontinue steroid therapy.(4)
The results from several scientifically designed trials indicate that individuals with manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, respond to therapy with phosphatidyl choline.(5),(6) |
| Toxicities & Precautions |
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Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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| Introduction |
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Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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| General |
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This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
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| Side Effects |
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Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. Large doses of this dietary supplement may cause nausea, bloating, stomach upset and diarrhea. Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.
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| Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding |
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To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
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| Age Limitations |
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To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
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References
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.