Phosphatidylcholine is a major component of a health supplement and food additive known as lecithin. Phosphatidylcholine is used to treat a variety of health conditions, including high cholesterol, liver disease and Alzheimer's disease. Although phosphatidylcholine is generally safe and well tolerated, in may cause mild side effects like diarrhea, especially when taken in large doses. Like any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking phosphatidylcholine.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea or loose stools is a possible side effect of phosphatidylcholine. Supplements containing phosphatidylcholine are known to irritate the digestive tract, and repeated use of phosphatidylcholine can lead to frequent loose bowel movements or possibly diarrhea, explains Phosphatidylcholine.org. Severe cases of diarrhea can lead to substantial fluid loss and dehydration, which may cause severe health effects.
Dehydration
Diarrhea is a common cause of dehydration. Common symptoms of dehydration include a dry, sticky mouth, dark-yellow urine, very low urine output and dry, sunken eyes resulting from the loss of tear production. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to lethargy, fatigue and possibly coma. Visit your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider if you experience prolonged diarrhea after taking phosphatidylcholine supplements.
Other Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Because phosphatidylcholine may irritate the digestive tract, additional gastrointestinal side effects may occur. Commonly reported gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, upset stomach and abdominal discomfort or pain, reports Drugs.com. Appetite loss and increased production of saliva in the mouth have also been reported. Taking phosphatidylcholine supplements after eating may decrease the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Dosage
The risk of gastrointestinal side effects increases with larger doses. Most gastrointestinal side effects occur after taking doses of several grams per day, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. Common doses of phosphatidylcholine for treating disease range from 1.3 to 1.5 g per day for liver disease and 1.5 to 3 g per day for high cholesterol.
References
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Lecithin; June 2011
- Drugs.com: PHOSCHOL (American Lecithin) Phosphatidylcholine (highly purified lecithin) Softgels and Concentrate
- Phosphatidylcholine.org:Phosphatidylcholine Side Effects
- Cox College: Lecithin/Phosphatidyl Choline; December 2009
- MedlinePlus: Dehydration; Linda J Vorcick et al.; August 2009
