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Overview: Lecithin is a fatty substance that is naturally found in certain foods. It is sometimes added to other foods to improve their texture and is also available over the counter as a dietary supplement. Lecithin contains choline and may be used to increase choline levels. It is also used for other reasons, but its effects are not well defined. Lecithin seems to be well tolerated. Before taking lecithin, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is lecithin used for?

Lecithin, a fatty substance found in certain foods, is used to increase levels of choline in the body. The benefits of lecithin for other uses, such as high cholesterol and improving memory and thinking skills, are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed lecithin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Lecithin is also sometimes used in food production as an emulsifier, which helps to improve food texture.

How does lecithin work (mechanism of action)?

Lecithin is naturally found in certain foods, including egg yolks, soybeans, and sunflower seeds. It contains many different unsaturated fats, including oleic acid and linoleic acid. It also contains phosphatidylcholine and choline. Taking lecithin can increase your levels of choline, which is an important nutrient.

Taking lecithin can also increase your levels of phosphatidylcholine. Your body uses phosphatidylcholine to form the membranes that surround your cells, including your brain cells. Some people take lecithin to help improve memory and thinking skills, although it is not clear if lecithin is helpful for this use.

Some of the fats in lecithin, including oleic acid and linoleic acid, are unsaturated fats. These types of fats do not seem to increase cholesterol levels the way that saturated fats can. But it is not clear if taking lecithin can help to lower cholesterol levels.

How should I store lecithin?

You should store lecithin according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lecithin?

Lecithin seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of lecithin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lecithin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lecithin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lecithin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking lecithin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lecithin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lecithin.

  • Choline
  • Lecithin
  • Phosphatidylcholine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lecithin products they stock.

What should I know about lecithin before using it?

Lecithin is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep lecithin out of the reach of children.

The FDA has not tested lecithin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using lecithin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if lecithin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Soy Allergy. Some lecithin products are made from soy. If you are allergic to soy, you may also have an allergy to lecithin products made from soy. But you may be able to take lecithin that is made from other sources, such as sunflower seeds. Read the label carefully and talk to your health care provider before taking lecithin if you have a soy allergy.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how lecithin dietary supplements could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Lecithin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does lecithin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between lecithin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect lecithin.

Does lecithin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between lecithin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with lecithin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using lecithin with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lecithin?

If you or someone else has used too much lecithin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Lecithin is found naturally in some foods, including egg yolks, soybeans, and sunflower seeds, and is also available as a dietary supplement. The dose of lecithin can be very different, depending on the product you choose and your reasons for using it. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to use lecithin safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.