Lecithin naturally occurs in many foods, including soy. Soy lecithin has emulsifying properties and is frequently used in manufactured foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Purported uses for soy lecithin supplementation include high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, liver disease, psychological and neurological disorders and high homocysteine levels. Evidence suggests it might offer benefit for some of these conditions but not enough exists to draw any definitive conclusions. The Food and Drug Administration lists soy lecithin on its GRAS list, which stands for generally recognized as safe.
Side Effects
The most likely side effects include ones that come with many drugs or supplements: nausea, stomach upset and loose stools. Drugs.com also notes reports of loss of appetite, increased salivation and hepatitis. The risk of side effects will increase with the dose. The University of Utah Healthcare notes a typical adult dosage of 3.5 g daily, though the dosage for certain conditions, such as cognitive impairment can go up to 35 g daily. If you believe using soy lecithin will address a particular health concern, talk to your doctor about the dosage appropriate for your needs.
Soy Protein in Supplement
The production of soy lecithin involves extracting it from whole soy. Though most of the soy protein gets removed, products might retain some. If you have an outright allergy or sensitivity to soy, you could suffer adverse reactions ranging from minor to severe. The Food and Drug Administration notes however, a low likelihood of suffering a soy allergy from lecithin products derived from this source. Keep this in mind however and watch for any unusual reactions after starting lecithin supplementation.
Use in Specific Populations
Whether or not you can safely use soy lecithin while pregnant or breastfeeding, or whether it is safe for children, has not been established. Always discuss the use of nutritional supplements with your doctor in these cases. If you suffer from liver or kidney disease, discuss the use of this supplement with your doctor. The livers and kidneys have a particular sensitivity to the drugs and supplements you consume, particularly when they are already compromised by disease.
Interactions and Contraindications
Drugs.com notes a lack of reports on drug interactions or contraindications -- instances where you should not use soy lecithin. If you take any medicines or have any health conditions however, you should always check with your doctor before using any kind of supplement.
References
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Soy Lecithin; February 2011
- Drugs.com:Complete Lecithin Information
- United States Food and Drug Administration;Guidance for Industry: Guidance on the Labeling of Certain Uses of Lecithin Derived from Soy Under Section 403(w) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; April 2006
- University of Utah Health Care; Lecithin
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