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Phosphatidylcholine & Cortisol

Jan 31, 2011 | By Ruth Coleman, M.D.

Steroids, fatty acids, sphingolipids, waxes, triacylglycerides, fats, oils, phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine are all lipids. The lipids serve a variety of functions in the human body and yet, too much or too little may be harmful. Similarly, too much or too little of the cortisol hormone can be harmful, as well.

What is Phosphatidylcholine?

There are several kinds of lipids in the human body. A phospholipid is one type of lipid and phosphatidylcholine is a type of phospholipid. Phosphatidylcholine is a vital part of the cell membrane, a major storage source of choline, which the nerves use to send signals, and a large part of a substance called surfactant, which prevents the lungs of newborn babies from collapsing, according to Kathleen Botham, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry at the Royal Veterinary College, writing in "Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry."

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone made by the adrenal gland. In "Handbook of Pathophysiology," Elizabeth Corwin, Ph.D., writes that this hormone has a wide influence on many areas of the body. Made from cholesterol, it affects growth by increasing the effect of the growth hormone and affects metabolism by increasing the thyroid hormone. It stimulates the muscles, lymphatic tissue and fat tissue to metabolize fat for energy needs, but also tells the liver to produce glucose. Cortisol is important in helping someone handle trauma and stress because it increases the blood glucose level.

Phosphatidylcholine and Cortisol in Sports

In the July 2007 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition," Ralf Jäger writes how participating in strenuous exercise for a long time decreases the amount of choline in the bloodstreams of some people. He writes about a research study where athletes were given phosphatidylcholine to see if they performed better with an increase in choline. The supplement increased their performance and also increased the blood cortisol level, which had been depleted due to stress from the various strenuous sports activities.

Phosphatidylcholine and Cortisol Affect on Alertness and Focus

Jay Hoffman writes in the December 2010 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition," about a study to determine whether phosphatidylcholine supplements increase the focus, energy and alertness of college students. Some students took a placebo, without their knowledge, while others had phosphatidylcholine. All of the students then took a test and performed a small amount of strenuous exercise. The researchers concluded that the supplements increased the immediate performance, but not as much after taking it for nine weeks. This group suggested that more research needs to be done.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jan 31, 2011

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