Introduction
Phosphatidylcholine is an ubiquitous, naturally occurring phospholipid particle. It is the major lipid, or fat, of cell membranes and blood proteins. Also referred to as PC, phosphatidylcholine works as the body’s main source of choline, an essential nutrient and precursor to the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. PC is likewise needed for the production of surfactants, which are critical for lung function and gastrointestinal health. The terms “phosphatidylcholine” and “lecithin” are sometimes used interchangeably; nevertheless, lecithin is actually a mixture of numerous lipids and phospholipids.
Benefits of Taking Phosphatidylcholine
Liver Health
PC is essential for the composition and repair work of cell membranes and is important for normal liver function. Research suggests PC’s most advantageous role is in the prevention and treatment of various forms of liver disease and toxicity. PC secures liver cells from viral damage, minimizes fibrosis, and prevents cell death from drugs, alcohol and other chemical toxic substances.
Several research studies have revealed PC’s protective and healing result on patients with hepatitis A, B and C. In a double blind trial released in the journal Liver, PC administration for chronic, active liver disease led to significant reduction of disease activity. Another study in Hepatology, revealed that choline-deficient patients had a reversal of hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease, upon choline supplementation. Additionally, a research from the journal Alcoholism: Medical and Experimental Research, led to PC defense of rat liver cells from alcohol-induced toxicity. The authors suggest that phosphatidylcholine lowers cell death through a decrease in oxidative stress.
Digestive Health
Phosphatidylcholine is a significant lipid in the protective mucus layer of the intestinal tract. It can mitigate GI injury by putting in an anti-inflammatory result. A recent research in BMC Gastroenterology, reveals that PC hinders pro-inflammatory drugs and is useful for those dealing with ulcerative colitis.
Emerging proof also suggests that PC can secure the stomach and digestive tract lining from the destructive impacts of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, likewise called NSAIDs. Using a combined item of the NSAID, naproxen and PC, a research in Inflammopharmacology states that” Naproxen-PC appears to induce substantially less GI injury and bleeding in two rodent model systems while maintaining anti-inflammatory and COX-inhibitory activity.”
Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Phosphatidylcholine’s significance in cell membrane stability and intracellular communication has led to research in the area of neurology. Although research studies are limited, information recommends PC supplements can lower symptoms of health problems related to low levels of acetylcholine consisting of, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, Huntington’s chorea, Tourette’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Results from a research in the Journal Proteome Research, revealed that lipid irregularities within the brain and blood may be factors in the disease procedures of both schizophrenia and bipolar illness.
Phosphatidylcholine Side Effects
Phosphatidylcholine is PERHAPS SAFE when taken by mouth or when injected just underneath the skin, short-term. The safety of long-lasting use is not known.
When phosphatidylcholine is taken by mouth, it can in some cases cause extreme sweating, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Phosphatidylcholine injections can cause inflammation, swelling, inflammation, itching, burning, bruising, and pain at the injection site. These side effects usually go away over a duration of a number of days.
If phosphatidylcholine is injected directly into a fatty growth (lipoma), it might cause an inflammatory reaction that could make the tumor more fibrous. In one reported case, the patient who had this done had to have the lipoma gotten rid of by surgery.
Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is insufficient trusted information about the safety of taking phosphatidylcholine when you are pregnant or breast feeding. Remain on the safe side and prevent use.
