Soy lecithin, which is derived from soybeans, is a type of lipid that is needed by every living cell in the body. Cell membranes, protective sheaths surrounding the brain, nerve cells and muscles are partially composed of this fatty acid substance. Lecithin is partially soluble in water, which is why soy lecithin is often found in many processed foods. The FDA does not regulate lecithin supplements for safety or purity factors at this time. Lecithin is found in capsules or granules, which can be sprinkled on foods such as cereal and yogurt.
Cholesterol
Soy lecithin may be effective in lowering cholesterol levels. Lecithin helps reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from the diet by transforming cholesterol from food into a more water-soluble substance. This increases the removal of cholesterol deposits through fecal excretion, and helps reduce both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. A study published in the January-February 2007 edition of "Menopause" reported that soy lecithin significantly improved lipid profiles in postmenopausal women. After four weeks of treatment with soy lecithin, the ratio of high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein greatly increased.
Neurological Disorders
Lecithin consists primarily of the B vitamin choline. Choline is used in the treatment of dementia and other neurological disorders. Choline increases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a role in memory. Soy lecithin may have a moderate effect on memory and brain function. Research on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's-related dementia and lecithin is limited. Lecithin should not be used as sole course of treatment for these disorders.
Liver Disease
Lecithin may protect against cholestatic liver disease, a pediatric liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis, and protect against damage caused by alcoholism. A study published in the "American Pediatric Society" in February 2007 reported that a diet supplemented with lecithin reduced liver damage in mice. Soy lecithin may also protect against chronic hepatitis, diabetic fatty liver and toxic liver damage. Additional clinical research is needed.
Stress Disorders
Soy lecithin may influence mood and heart rate during times of acute stress. A study published in the "Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress" in June 2004 investigated the influence of soy lecithin on physiological reactions to stress. Four groups of 20 subjects were treated with daily doses of soy lecithin. The study showed that supplementing with soy lecithin can decrease distress and may have a stress-reducing effect on the pituitary-adrenal axis.
References
- Drugs.com: Soya-Lecithin
- Drugs.com: Lecithin
- "Menopause"; Effect of Soy Isoflavone Protein and Soy Lecithin on Endothelial Function in Healthy Postmenopausal Women; Evans M, Njike VY, Hoxley M, Pearson M, Katz DL; Jan-Feb 2007
- "American Pediatric Society"; Dietary Lecithin Protects Against Cholestatic Liver Disease in Cholic Acid-fed Abcb4- Deficient mice; Lamireau T, Bouchard G, Yousef IM, Clouzeau-Girard H, Rosenbaum J, Desmoulière A, Tuchweber B; Feb. 2007
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress"; Effects of Soy lecithin Phosphatidic Acid and Phosphatidylserine Complex (PAS) on the Endocrine and Psychological Responses to Mental Stress; Hellhammer J, Fries E, Buss C, Engert V, Tuch A, Rutenberg D, Hellhammer D; June 2004
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