Your liver is the largest internal organ in your body. Not only does it metabolize drugs and remove alcohol from your body, it also makes bile, which is essential for digesting fat. Given that the liver performs so many essential functions, diseases such as hepatitis C are particularly worrisome. Patients should consult their doctors before trying alternative treatments, especially those such as lecithin, which are untested in clinical trials.
Lecithin Chemistry
Lecithin is a family of long-chain fatty acids that terminate with L-alpha-glycerophosphorylcholine. Fatty acids that include phosphorus are called phospholipids. As suggested by its name, lecithin phospholipids include choline, which is usually similar to the B vitamins. Along with other phospholipids, lecithin is an important component of cell membranes. A recommended daily value has not been established, although eggs and soybean are good sources.
Fat Transport
The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University explains that dietary fat and cholesterol are transported to the liver by a lipoproteins called chylomicrons. Lecithin is an important component of these chylomicrons. Unless you have adequate lecithin, fat and cholesterol accumulate in the liver. However, research on fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver have yet to confirm any benefit to taking lecithin supplements.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. HCV is transmitted through exposure to infected blood. Sexual transmission is possible, but relatively uncommon. Ttreatments available as of 2011 include antiviral drugs and interferon. Treatment goals include removing HCV from the blood, and reducing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Lecithin is not a treatment for HCV. A search of research appearing in the Library of Medicine reveals no clinical studies on the use lecithin in treating hepatitis C.
Related Research
A paper appearing in the 2008 "Annals of Hepatology" that was otherwise receptive to alternative treatments stated that it was unlikely that lecithin would be beneficial in treating alcohol-related liver disease. A short-term study described in the August 1996 issue of the "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics" reported that evening primrose oil, which is high in polyunsaturated lecithin, did not have an effect on hepatitis B patients.
References
- "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation in Chronic Hepatitis; B. A.P. Jenkins et al.; August 1996
- Columbia St. Mary's; Lecithin; November 2009
- "Annals of Hepatology"; Treatment of Alcoholic Liver Disease; A. Barve; January-March 2008
- PubMed Health: Hepatitis C
- Linus Pauling Institute; Choline; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; November 2003
